BIOENGINEERING OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Obiettivi e contenuti del corso

The aim of the course is to analyze and describe the bioengineering aspects of the respiratory system, including a) the modeling of its different anatomical parts and functional components, and its interactions with other physiological systems, namely the central nervous and the cardiovascular system; b) the methods currently used for the measurement of the different variables of interest and for functional respiratory evaluation; c) the techniques which allow to intervene on the respiratory system.

Descrizione degli argomenti trattati

Structure and function of the respiratory system: airways, lung, chest wall, respiratory muscles; interactions with the cardiovascular system; the respiratory system under stress (exercise); control of ventilation; pathophysiological aspects of the respiratory system.

Modelling: mechanical and electrical models of the respiratory system, its components and its mechanical properties; modeling of the airways and trachea-bronchial tree; modeling of alveolar mechanics; modeling of gas exchange.

Measurements for the respiratory system: basic measurements (volume, flow, pressure, gas concentration); spirometry; total body plethysmography;  opto-electronic plethysmography; measurement of respiratory pressures; EMG of respiratory muscles; resistance and compliance measurements; forced oscillation technique; gas exchange and diffusion measurements; cardiopulmonary exercise testing; ICU monitoring.

Imaging the respiratory system: CT of lung and airways; MRI; ultrasounds; microscopy; bronchoscopy; functional imaging.

Intervention on the respiratory system: invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation; interventional bronchoscopy and computer aided surgery.

Bibliografia consigliata

• Lectures’ slides and various material provided by the teacher.

• West J.B. Respiratory physiology – the essentials. Williams and Wilkins

• West J.B. Pulmonary pathophysiology.

• Webster J. Medical Instrumentation. Application and design. Wiley and Sons, 1997

Organizzazione del corso e modalità di verifica

The course is based on lectures, practical classes, laboratory classes and seminars with industry and/or clinical centers.

The final exam is constituted by a written test (with both theoretical questions and numerical exercises) and an oral exam. The final grade will be assigned at the end of the oral exam. The oral exam can be taken only if the written exam’s grade is at least 18/30