An Operational evaluation of the Bird Avian Transport Ventilator

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mechanically ventilating a patient with a manual ventilator during transport has been known to result in hyperventilation and delivery of inconsistent tidal volumes (VT) and oxygen concentrations, and hence has led to the development of transport ventilators. I evaluated the Bird Products Avian transport ventilator to determine the ventilator's conformity to criteria established by the American Association for Respiratory Care. DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE: The ventilator is pneumatically powered, microprocessor- controlled, time- or pressure-triggered, pressure-limited, and time-cycled, and can provide breaths in the control, assist/control, SIMV, or CPAP modes. All functions are set by rotating function-labeled knobs. EVALUATION METHODS: Conformity of the ventilator to published guidelines and specifications, VT delivery at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 L and test-lung compliance of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.10 L/cm H2O, and pressure-trigger and demand-valve responsiveness were evaluated in 2 ventilators borrowed from clinical service, using a test lung and associated software. Alarm functions were also evaluated. EVALUATION RESULTS: VT and sigh volumes, ventilatory rates, and inspiratory times were consistent between the 2 ventilators tested. The delivered VTS varied from -8.8% to +1.2% from the set value. Assist and demand-valve sensitivities were within 1.0 cm H2O [0.1 kPa] of the set values. With the Ambu PEEP valve attached, expiratory pressures were 11-13 cm H2O [0.11-0.13 kPa] above baseline. Alarms functioned within specifications. Gas consumption was 3.8 and 6.6 L/min for the 2 ventilators studied. CONCLUSIONS: The Avian conforms to the standards set in the literature and functions within manufacturer's specifications. Assist and demand-valve sensitivities are consistent with that set on the ventilator and are sensitive to simulated patient effort. Gas consumption exceeded manufacturer's specifications in the units tested. Potential exists for increased expiratory work when the Ambu PEEP valve is used. [Respir Care 1996;41(8):714-723]