Virtual Ventilator

The Virtual Ventilator is an interactive, screen-based computer simulation designed to teach the basic principles of mechanical ventilation in anaesthetised animals. The main panel display of the simulation depicts a ventilator bellows, an array of switches and dials for controlling ventilation settings, and several patient monitors that display physiological data from a simulated patient. The student is able to adjust ventilator settings using the mouse or keyboard and the results of any adjustments that are made are reflected in the simulated patient and on the simulated ventilator itself. Additional settings allow the student to change patient weight and lung compliance, and inspired oxygen concentration as well as to make changes in ventilator bellows, movement style and ventilator timing control. In addition to the control panel window, a monitor window displays one of four patient monitors providing the student with visual representation of real time simulated patient data. Virtual Ventilator does not attempt to recreate a patient or a mechanical ventilator in detail.

For more information on The Virtual Ventilator, please contact Dr. R.D. Keegan at rdk@vetmed.wsu.edu. Please also see http://wholelogic.com for screenshots of prototypes that are being developed by Dr. Keegan.

This item may be borrowed for up to 6 weeks through the Alternative Loan System of the International Network for Humane Education (InterNICHE), free of charge, but return postage must be paid by the person who has borrowed the product. Please note that there are practical limitations on where some items can be sent. Please contact coordinator@interniche.org or see http://www.interniche.org for more information. For more information on this computer program, please see http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/academic/vent.aspx.