VentEx: an on-line knowledge-based system to support ventilator management

This paper will demonstrate the clinical application of a knowledge-based decision-support system called VentEx for ventilator management. VentEx has been implemented using a knowledge-based development tool on a PC under the Microsoft Windows multitasking environment. It is integrated into a computer aided ventilator system including the Siemens Elema Servo Ventilator 900 C equipped with a Servo Computer Module 990 and the CO₂ analyser 930. The system provides advanced ventilator monitoring with expert advice concerning ventilator strategy and settings based on data from on-line monitoring. The knowledge base has been primarily validated and the system has been clinically tested by the intensive care unit staff. Different approaches such as knowledge acquisition, representation and system integration have been outlined and discussed.