Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a peak end expiratory pressure in a mechanical ventilator system for providing respiratory assistance to a patient. The method includes the steps of determining characteristic values for a plurality of frequencies at each of a plurality of peak end expiratory pressures, and selecting an optimal peak end expiratory pressure value responsive to the characteristic values.

Abstract: A pneumatic ventilation system delivers high amplitude, low frequency oscillatory flows while maintaining the load impedance at a specified mean pressure, thereby accurately controlling mean airway pressure, oscillation amplitude, and frequency content allowing use in applications to optimize high frequency ventilation protocols in patients. The pneumatic ventilation system includes a pneumatic pressure oscillator based on a proportional solenoid valve to provide forced oscillatory excitations to a respiratory system over a bandwidth suitable for mechanical impedance measurements and high frequency ventilation.