Analog simulation of artificial ventilator by one-chip microcomputer for education of clinical engineers in Japan - implementation of VCV and PCV

Abstract

Clinical engineers in Japan need to know both how to operate artificial ventilator and its basic mechanisms. The education style seems well-established as lectures and practices for learning operation skills. On the other hand, the curriculum includes only theoretical lectures for the latter purpose in most educational institutes. Digital computer simulation techniques could contribute to understand the mechanisms of artificial ventilator. Many students, however, think of the results of computer simulation running on PC as fictitious ones. In this study, we implemented volume-control-ventilation(VCV) and pressure-control-ventilation(PCV) procedures on an one-chip microcomputer Arduino Uno by C programming language and designed an electronic circuit to simulate inspiratory/expiratory valves, airway resistance and lung compliance. These components were combined to form the analog simulation system. This simulator could help students to understand the control mechanisms of artificial ventilator with its higher clarity and simplicity.