This study revolves around two simple questions: 1) how does pulmonary airway recruitment/de-recruitment (RecDer) depend on the tethering support provided by surrounding airways and alveoli, and 2) does airway angle of inclination (θ) influence airway stability? These two questions are critical to understanding the existence and prevention of atelectrauma, which may contribute to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). To address these questions, we develop PDMS 2mm ID compliant tubes that mimic pulmonary airways. Airway obstruction is modeled using silicone oil, and recruitment occurs through insufflation with a constant flow of air at Q=0.25ml/s. Parenchymal tethering is modeled through the use of a pressure chamber through which we independently establish the external pressure (P). Repetitive RecDer oscillation is observed as a function of P and θ. We find that airway collapse significantly increases the rate of instability, and this rate correlates strongly with the dimensionless film thickness (ε=h/R), where h is the film thickness and R is the transumural pressure dependent vessel radius. Furthermore, the angle of orientation influences RecDer oscillation, with stability decreased when airflow is directed in the upward direction. These results may provide insight into protective mechanical ventilation processes that can reduce the existence or severity of VILI.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.