| abstract |
The invention relates to a signal processing unit, a ventilator and a method which automatically define a target value for the frequency at which the ventilator performs ventilation strokes and thereby artificially ventilates a patient. An alveolar or proximal minute volume is specified. A lung time constant for the patient's lungs is determined. The volume of dead space in a fluid connection between the lung and the processing device is determined. The signal processing unit calculates a mandatory setpoint frequency (f set,mand ) for the mandatory ventilation of the patient. The signal processing unit calculates the ideal frequency (f spon ) with which the patient can achieve the minute volume through spontaneous breathing. The signal processing unit calculates the target respiratory rate as the weighted average of the mandatory target rate (f set,mand ) and the ideal rate (f spon ). The averaging depends on a determined actual intensity of the patient's spontaneous respiration. |