Management of the intensive care patient afflicted by respiratory insufficiency requires knowledge of the pathophysiological basis for altered functions. The etiology and therapy of pulmonary diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly complex. While physiologists and pathophysiologists work prevalently with theoretical modes, clinicians employ sophisticated ventilation support technologies in the attempt to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of the pulmonary diseases which can present with varying grades of severity. Despite the availability of advanced technologies it is common to personalize the treatment protocol according to the patient's physiologic structure.Given the complexity and difficulties of treating respiratory disease, a strong collaboration between clinicians and physiologists is of fundamtental importance.

Inhalt
Basics of Respiratory Mechanics.- 1 Principles of measurement of respiratory mechanics.- 2 Statics of the respiratory system.- 3 Respiratory mechanics during general anaesthesia in healthy subjects.- 4 Resistance measurements. Forced oscillations and plethysmography.- 5 Oscillatory mechanics: principles and clinical applications.- 6 Resistance measurement in ventilator-dependent patients.- 7 Mechanical models of the respiratory system: linear models.- 8 Mechanical models of the respiratory system: non-linear and inhomogeneous models.- 9 Mechanical implications of viscoelasticity.- 10 Alveolar micromechanics.- 11 Partitioning of lung responses into airway and tissue components.- The work of the respiratory system.- 12 How the diaphragm works in normal subjects.- 13 How the diaphragm works in respiratory disease.- 14 Evaluation of the inspiratory muscle mechanical activity during Pressure Support Ventilation.- 15 Work of breathing.- Artificial Ventilation Principles, Techniques, Clinical Applications.- 16 Respiratory mechanics in ARDS.- 17 Altered elastic properties of the respiratory system.- 18 Intrinsic PEEP.- 19 Gas-exchange in mechanically ventilated patients.- 20 Effects of anaesthesia on respiratory mechanics.- 21 Respiratory mechanics during the long-term artificial ventilation.- 22 Closed-loop control mechanical ventilation.- Main symbols.