Humidification and the HME filter

Effect of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) positioning on inspiratory gas humidification

BACKGROUND In mechanically ventilated patients, we investigated how positioning the heat and moisture exchanger (HME) at different places on the ventilator circuit affected inspiratory gas humidification. METHODS Absolute humidity (AH) and temperature (TEMP) at the proximal end of endotracheal tube (ETT) were measured in ten mechanically ventilated patients. The HME was connected either direc...

The Genetics of Hereditary Multiple Exostosis (HME)

Introduction Hereditary multiple exostosis (HME) is a skeletal disorder characterized by the presence of numerous bony outgrowths (osteochondromas or exostoses) that develop next to the growth plates of all the long bones (Solomon 1963). The most striking clinical feature of HME is the numerous cartilage-capped exostoses, which are associated with the entire skeleton. Skeletal surveys suggest t...

Humidification and secretion volume in mechanically ventilated patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine potential effects of humidification on the volume of airway secretions in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS Water vapor delivery from devices providing non-heated-wire humidification, heated-wire humidification, and heat and moisture exchanger (HME) were quantified on the bench. Then, patients requiring 24-hour mechanical ventilation were exposed sequentially to...

Humidification of the air passages.

The reasons for moistening of the mucous membranes are several. Ciliary action is dependent on a supply ofmucus, of the right viscosity and in correct amount; in this blanket of mucus are carried lysozymes, described by Fleming (1928), of considerable bacteriostatic and bactericidal importance. The alveoli of the lung must be kept moist, for otherwise respiratory exchanges cannot be carried on;...

Effects of HME on aerosol administration.