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.

Lectures and exercise sessions will allow students to:

- Know the basic concepts of the bioengineering of the respiratory system

- Identify and/or define a proper model of a certain physiological or pathological condition of the respiratory system

- Select the proper measurement system and/or method and/or technique for the assessment of a certain property, characteristic or function or the respiratory system

- Know the basic concepts of mechanical ventilation

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.

Note: During the course, a number of numerical exercises will be proposed and solved in the class, in order to better understand theoretical concepts on practical examples and to prepare the final exam.

No prerequisites are necessary.

The final exam is constituted by a written test, with open questions on theory (2 to 3), numerical exercises (3 to 4) or mixed questions. The maximal evaluation of the written test will be 30/30.

If the evaluation of the written test is at least 18/30, an oral exam will be taken.

The final evaluation is assigned at the end of the oral exam.