How to read an ASV graph?

1.Horizontal axis for respiratory rate (f)

2.Vertical axis for tidal volume (Vt)

3.Minute volume curve – see next page

4.Safety frame in which target point may move

5.Target point, formed by intersection of target tidal volume and target rate

6.Current patient values, formed by intersection of measured tidal volume and current respiratory rate

ASV adjusts the settings to guide the patient’s current values to the target point. This may be achieved for spontaneous breathing or passive patients. When the patient condition meets the target, the patient is considered optimally ventilated according to ASV. It is not an indication of the patient’s clinical condition. 1