Exovent: a study of a new negative‐pressure ventilatory support device in healthy adults

Negative-pressure ventilation may have several advantages compared with positive-pressure ventilation. simulates natural lung movements, does not require tracheal intubation and reduce the incidence of barotrauma adverse cardiovascular events. A group engineers, doctors nurses designed bench-tested Exovent, a new, lightweight, torso-only, negative-pressure ventilatory support system. We aimed to test comfort, nursing acceptability capabilities Exovent in healthy adult volunteers. measured effect continuous negative extra-thoracic pressure on functional reserve capacity efficacy produced by combination end-expiratory pressure. Six members development team volunteered device. The application did change tidal volumes from baseline levels; however, increased mean (SD) 1.1 (0.05) ml.kg-1.cmH2O-1 (p = 0.0002). end−expiratory effective ventilation, resting volume being exceeded -4 cmH2O All volunteers found experience comfortable none had ventilator dysynchrony. allowed good monitoring access was both semi-recumbent prone positions. delivered plus adults. Further trials are needed investigate clinical utility