Laboratory assessment of the Bird T-Bird VS ventilator performance using amodel lung

We assessed the Bird T-Bird VS ventilator using a model lung constructed to standard 10651-1 of the International Standards Organization. We used diff erent combinations of lung compliance and airway resistance to simulate nor mal and diseased adult and paediatric lungs. Different preset tidal volumes at various respiratory rates were delivered to the model lung and compared with the actual measured tidal volumes. The results showed that the delive red tidal volumes were within the manufacturer's specification of +/- 10% o f the preset tidal volumes in normal adult and paediatric combinations of l ung compliance and airway resistance. The ventilator can be powered by main s electricity supply or battery and requires only optional compressed oxyge n. The ventilator is suitable for the provision of advanced ventilatory sup port during prolonged patient transfer.