Figure 2.

Flow asynchrony.

In volume-controlled mode, the flow rate was adjusted below the patient’s demand; the patient thus maintained muscle effort throughout inspiration, and the curve consequently became concave and upward. The asynchrony exhibits increasing intensity from the first to the third cycle, as represented in the figure. The negative deflections in the pressure-time curve represent the patient’s inspiratory effort (muscle pressure) and are only visible when esophageal pressure is monitored. Figures obtained at Xlung.net, a virtual mechanical ventilation simulator. Available at: http//:www.xlung.net.