Esophageal balloon catheter system identification to improve respiratory effort time features and amplitude determination.

This article discusses a study on the use of esophageal balloon catheters to measure respiratory effort and mechanics in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The researchers used a system identification approach to improve the accuracy of these measurements. They conducted tests in a controlled setting and with patient data, and found that correcting the dynamic response of the balloon catheter improved the accuracy of resistance and compliance estimates. The study acknowledges limitations and suggests further investigation, but concludes that using esophageal pressure measurements can improve ventilator settings and decision-making. The data from the study are available upon request. [Extracted from the article]