MEANS FOR ANALYZING BREATH WAVEFORMS AS TO THEIR NEUROMUSCULAR RESPIRATORY IMPLICATIONS

摘要

A method for measuring respiratory drive includes determining a peak inspiratory flow and a peak inspiratory acceleration from a breath waveform derived from rib cage motion and abdominal motion using a plethysmograph or other external respiratory measuring device. The respiratory drive is ascertainable even during complete blockage of the respiratory system. The peak inspiratory drive derived using the inventive method is used to initiate inspiration in a mechanical ventilator and for determining an index describing a shape of the waveform for controlling a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) device.