Abstract: Methods of automatically evaluating a patient for positive and expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy include providing respiratory assistance to the patient with a mechanical ventilator. The patient is provided PEEP therapy at a first PEEP. A first end expiratory lung volume (EELV) is measured from the patient. PEEP therapy is provided to the patient at a second PEEP. A second EELV is measured from the patient. A difference from the first EELV and the second EELV is calculated. A value indicative of the patient's response to PEEP therapy is calculated from the difference between the first EELV and the second EELV.

Abstract: Methods of automatically evaluating a patient for positive and expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy include providing respiratory assistance to the patient with a mechanical ventilator. The patient is provided PEEP therapy at a first PEEP. A first end expiratory lung volume (EELV) is measured from the patient. PEEP therapy is provided to the patient at a second PEEP. A second EELV is measured from the patient. A difference from the first EELV and the second EELV is calculated. A value indicative of the patient's response to PEEP therapy is calculated from the difference between the first EELV and the second EELV.

Abstract: The device comprises a respiratory gas generator including means for establishing, during an inspiratory stage and in a supply pipe leading to an inspiratory orifice associated with an expiratory valve, a pressure of a respiratory gas which is substantially constant irrespective of the flow of inspiratory gas. The means for establishing a substantially constant pressure comprise an ejector of the convergent/divergent type which opens onto said supply pipe. In contrast to ventilators having multiple modes of ventilation which are usually intended for patients subjected to intubation or tracheomatization, the device is intended for patients who are connected to the device through a simple mask covering the nose and mouth, a nose mask or a mouthpiece.