A Method for Determination of Pulmonary Elastic Recoil and Resistance at a Regulated Flow Rate

Abstract

A method for determination of resistance and elastic properties of the lungs is described. The method is based upon measurement of transpulmonary (oesophageal) pressure during breathing with an automatically regulated flow pattern and flow rate. The method allows simultaneous studies of resistance and elastic properties over most of the vital capacity and is proposed for diagnostic use. A modification of the body plethysmo-graphic technique for determination of static lung volumes is described.

Key Words:

• Body plethysmography
• breathing
• lung volumes
• pulmonary elastic properties
• pulmonary function
• pulmonary resistance
• ventilation of the lungs