This Comparison Chart consists of four line graphs illustrating the progression of mechanical ventilation parameters over time leading up to death (expressed as hours to death). The variables tracked include Tidal Volume (ml), Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP, mbar), Maximal Airway Pressure (Pmax, mbar), and Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2, %). Each graph displays data points with error bars, representing mean values and statistical variability. The charts demonstrate critical trends in respiratory management during progressive multi-organ failure. Key visual findings include a sharp, terminal increase in PEEP, Pmax, and FiO2 starting approximately 20 hours before death, signaling escalating ventilatory support requirements and worsening pulmonary compliance. Tidal volume shows significant fluctuation throughout the timeline. These data are clinically relevant for understanding the physiological deterioration and therapeutic adjustments in terminal critical care scenarios, specifically related to pulmonary dysfunction following systemic failure such as liver insufficiency.

This diagnostic graphic displays three stacked ventilator waveforms (Volume, Pressure, and Flow Rate) over a 30-second interval, demonstrating mechanical ventilation in assisted mode. The top graph shows Tidal Volume (Vt) pulsing consistently to approximately 500 mL with a distinct plateau indicating an end-inspiratory hold. The middle Pressure-time waveform illustrates critical respiratory parameters: a negative deflection reaching the trigger pressure (Ptrig) of -2 cmH2O initiates each breath, followed by a rapid rise to a peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) of ~25 cmH2O. An inspiratory hold reveals a plateau pressure (Pplateau) of ~22 cmH2O, with the cycle concluding at a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of ~5 cmH2O. The bottom Flow Rate graph displays corresponding inspiratory and expiratory flow pulses. Annotations mark key temporal points: initial inspiration (Ii), inspiratory hold (Ih), end-inspiration (Ei), and end-expiration (Ef). This visualization is essential for understanding ventilator-patient synchrony, mechanical lung properties (compliance and resistance), and the functioning of pressure-triggered assisted ventilation modes.

A series of six line graphs (labeled a–f) comparing two mechanical ventilation modes, Low Tidal Volume (LTV, blue) and Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV, red), over a 24-hour timeline in a simulation of pulmonary blast lung injury. The graphs track key respiratory parameters: (a) PaO2, showing an initial decline before stabilizing around hour 9; (b) PaCO2, demonstrating higher levels in the APRV group; (c) End-Expiratory Lung Volume (EELV), which shows APRV maintains significantly higher functional residual capacity; (d) Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), illustrating relatively high oxygen requirements for both modes; (e) P/F ratio, indicating stabilization of gas exchange; and (f) Peak Ventilatory Pressures (Ppeak), showing LTV requires higher pressures to maintain target volumes. Each data point includes error bars representing variance. The figure serves to compare the physiological impacts of different ventilatory strategies on oxygenation, ventilation efficiency, and lung recruitment in acute respiratory distress scenarios.