Applications of a noninvasive respiratory volume monitor for critical care medicine

Abstract

Respiratory volume monitoring (RVM) has been developed to noninvasively measure minute ventilation (V̇E), tidal volume, and breathing frequency and to display real-time respiratory curves in nonintubated patients. Although RVM was originally developed for post-anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care, we describe 3 applications for this monitor in an otherwise austere setting at a missionary hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Applications of RVM can be utilized in any ICU in a developing or developed country.

Keywords: critical care medicine; minute ventilation; respiratory physiology; respiratory volume monitoring.