Nonlinear model for offline correction of pulmonary waveform generators

IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2002 Dec;49(12 Pt 2):1567-73. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2002.805484.

Abstract

Pulmonary waveform generators consisting of motor-driven piston pumps are frequently used to test respiratory-function equipment such as spirometers and peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters. Gas compression within these generators can produce significant distortion of the output flow-time profile. A nonlinear model of the generator was developed along with a method to compensate for gas compression when testing pulmonary function equipment. The model and correction procedure were tested on an Assess Full Range PEF meter and a Micro DiaryCard PEF meter. The tests were performed using the 26 American Thoracic Society standard flow-time waveforms as the target flow profiles. Without correction, the pump loaded with the higher resistance Assess meter resulted in ten waveforms having a mean square error (MSE) higher than 0.001 L2/s2. Correction of the pump for these ten waveforms resulted in a mean decrease in MSE of 87.0%. When loaded with the Micro DiaryCard meter, the uncorrected pump outputs included six waveforms with MSE higher than 0.001 L2/s2. Pump corrections for these six waveforms resulted in a mean decrease in MSE of 58.4%.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Calibration / standards
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / standards
  • Models, Biological*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Respiratory Function Tests / instrumentation*
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Respiratory Function Tests / standards*
  • Respiratory Mechanics*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spirometry / instrumentation
  • Spirometry / standards
  • Syringes / standards
  • United States