Fig. 8
Theoretical influence of inspiratory flow profile on instantaneous elastic power. The total energy required to deliver a given tidal volume is the same for all profiles. However, different flow patterns apply their power intensity at different times. Consequently, energy delivery may crest over a damaging threshold earlier or later in the inflation period (Pset = Pressure control, CF = Constant flow, DF = Linearly decelerating flow, AF = Accelerating flow, Sin = Sinusoidal flow)