| abstract |
The invention provides an estimation of key flow-independent parameters characteristic of NO exchange in the lungs, namely: 1) the steady state alveolar concentration, C alv,ss ; 2) the maximum flux of NO from the airways, J NO,max ; and 3) the diffusing capacity of NO in the airways, D NO,air . The parameters were estimated from a single exhalation maneuver comprised of a pre-expiratory breathhold, followed by an exhalation in which the flow rate progressively decreased. The mean values for J NO,max , D NO,air , and C alv,ss do not depend on breathhold time for breathhold times greater than approximately 10 seconds. A priori estimates of the parameter confidence intervals demonstrates that a breathhold no longer than 20 seconds may be adequate, and that J NO,max be can estimated with the smallest uncertainty, and D NO,air the largest. |