How Michigan Instruments’ Lung Simulators and PneuView Software Lead the Way in Lifesaving Education

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respiratory simulation

Technological advancements continue to shape the way professionals acquire critical skills in medical education and research. 

One such innovation that stands out is the integration of respiratory training simulators, specifically lung simulators, into the educational toolkit of medical professionals, ventilator manufacturers, and educators. 

Among the pioneers in this field is Michigan Instruments, offering state-of-the-art lung simulators paired with PneuView Software.

What Sets Our Lung Simulators and PneuView Software Apart?

Michigan Instruments takes pride in providing lung simulators that are fully to scale, offering realistic residual lung volumes and capacities. The range of settings for compliance and resistance on TTL® and PneuView® systems surpasses most other available simulators. What makes these devices truly exceptional is their ability to move and “feel” like real lungs when ventilated.

Unlike basic test lungs that perform only a handful of simulations and lack full scalability, Michigan Instruments’ lung simulators offer a superior level of realism. 

This realism is not just a feature; it is a crucial aspect that enhances the utility of these devices for hands-on training, product testing, and research and development.

Unparalleled Realism for Lifesaving Education

The combination of Michigan Instruments’ Lung Simulators and the PneuView Software creates a more realistic environment for medical professionals and students. 

These devices go beyond basic simulations, providing an experience that more closely replicates the complexities of the human pulmonary system. 

The realistic representation of adult and infant lung conditions allows for a diverse range of simulations, enhancing understanding and clinical skills development.

Why Choose Michigan Instruments?

There are several reasons to choose Michigan Instruments, just as facilities around the world have.

Pioneer in Respiratory Care and Emergency Medical Industries

Michigan Instruments has established itself as a pioneer in the respiratory care and emergency medical industries. 

Our lung simulators and automated CPR devices have been recognized as breakthrough innovations in the medical profession.

Gold Standard of Respiratory Simulation

With thousands of users worldwide, Michigan Instruments’ lung simulators are considered the gold standard of respiratory simulation. 

The devices have proven their efficacy in various applications, from medical education to testing to research and development.

Applications Across Industries

Classroom Simulation: Michigan Instruments’ TTL and PneuView Lung Simulators facilitate “Aha Moments!” in classrooms, offering hands-on experiences that enhance understanding and develop valuable clinical skills in students.

Research and Development: The lung simulators play a crucial role in the design, engineering, evaluation, and manufacturing of respiratory devices. They contribute to making these devices more user-friendly and effective.

Testing: Evaluate the performance of respiratory devices, even in the face of changing pulmonary dynamics. PneuView Systems enable the collection and display of ventilation data through advanced software.

Request a Quote: Join the Ranks of Professionals Choosing Excellence

Discover why thousands of educators, researchers, manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals worldwide trust Michigan Instruments’ lung simulation devices. 

Experience high-quality lung simulators that you can touch, see, and modify to meet the evolving demands of respiratory care and medical education.

Michigan Instruments is at the forefront of transforming respiratory training in the digital age, providing cutting-edge solutions that bridge the gap between theory and practice in the lifesaving field of respiratory care. 

Contact us to learn more about our Lung Simulators today!

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Simulate an Acute Asthma Attack with Michigan Instruments’ Lung Simulators

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asthma attack simulation

Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. In fact, nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have asthma, making it one of the most common forms of respiratory disease in the country. 

Fortunately, you can easily replicate asthma attack simulation on a lung simulator for education and research purposes.

Why Use Michigan Instruments Lung Simulation for Learning about Asthma?

There are several reasons why our Lung Simulators are a fantastic tool for learning and teaching about asthma; including, but not limited to:

  • Safety: Simulation-based education ensures patient safety.  This allows the user to make mistakes and gives them the ability to correct them, without harm to a patient. 
  • Reduced Errors: Simulation provides opportunity for continued practice. This results in less error while working with humans.
  • Preparation for Several Scenarios: Simulation devices offer a wide range of lung compliance and airway resistance settings.  This offers the students and professionals an immersive and nearly hands-on experience. 

Settings For An Asthma Attack Simulation

By creating a severely restricted airway and pairing it with a slightly compliant lung, you can provide settings that simulate an acute asthma attack.

Here are the settings we recommend (using our lungs) to create a successful simulation:

  • Functional Residual Capacity: Should be between 860mL and 990mL per adult lung and 80mL to 200mL for the infant lung.
    • Please note that residual capacity is only considered functional if it’s downstream (during inspiration) of the airway resistor.
  • Airway Resistance: A resistance of 50cmH2O/L/s should be used to simulate this condition in adults. The user should use 500cmH2O/L/s to simulate this condition in infants.
  • Dynamic Compliance: Use a lung compliance of .04L/cmH2O for adults and .004L/cmH2O for infants. It’s important that this value is “dynamic” so that the compliance of the simulated lung will decrease as breaths begin to stack.

How is This Simulation Beneficial?

During normal ventilation, the increased airway resistance creates the high proximal pressure seen in victims of an acute asthma attack. 

Additionally, the above-average compliance of the simulated patient will cause breath stacking unless the breaths delivered are properly regulated.

You can test many simulations in a number of ways. This allows students to get hands-on experience with rare conditions, replicate case-specific failures in ventilators, identify pros and cons of different ventilation techniques and more.

Organizations around the world use our test lungs for a plethora of educational purposes. The flexibility of our equipment allows our devices to replicate hundreds of healthy and diseased lung conditions, like asthma, while providing accurate measurements and data that inform your testing, research, and training.

Learn More About Our Lung Simulation Capabilities

If there is a specific symptom or condition that you would like to replicate, please let us know. We’d love to put together a simulation for you.

For questions or more information about simulations, contact us today.

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Top 10 Ways Lung Simulators Benefit Respiratory Therapy Programs

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lung simulation model

Did you know that our lung simulator is used in many facilities that offer Respiratory Therapy programs—throughout the United States—and  around the world? 

Designed and manufactured by Michigan Instruments, our Lung Simulators are utilized in colleges, universities, hospitals and training schools. Their accurate and reliable human pulmonary system simulation capabilities make them an incredible tool for training and education.

Here are 10 reasons why we believe our equipment is a great solution for respiratory therapy programs.

Why Choose Our Lung Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Programs?

1. Lung Condition Simulation

Facilitators can simulate a wide variety of healthy and diseased lung conditions by altering the lung compliance and airway resistance in a one or two-lung simulation. 

The flexibility of the devices provide accurate measurements and data that inform testing, research, and training for any and all lungs!

2. Realistic Volumes

Students work with a realistic total lung volume and residual volume—especially when using the Dual Adult Lung Training & Test Lung. 

This is one of the many features that allows the devices to provide the best representation of the functions of the human pulmonary system.

3. Versatility

There is great versatility in regard to introducing gasses, tapping into the lungs or airways, and connecting auxiliary devices, like CO2 monitors.

This makes teaching easy and convenient, while providing a physical demonstration.

4. Ventilation Dynamics

With the Dual Adult Training & Test Lung, facilitators can simulate unilateral lung disease and the resulting ventilation dynamics.

This contributes to easy demonstration of mechanical ventilation and laboratory exercises with ventilators.

5. Spontaneous Breathing

You can simulate a spontaneous breathing patient and evaluate the response of devices in various support modes.

Spontaneous breathing simulations are especially helpful for designing, testing, and providing training on non-invasive and supportive modes of ventilation and oxygenation. Our SBL™ allows control of the breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, and inspiratory flow pattern.

6. Multiple Techniques

Our SBL™ also facilitates education and studies with various oxygen delivery systems, and with the addition non-invasive ventilation devices & techniques. 

7. Helpful Displays

When you add the PneuView software, you are able to see real-time data and waveform displays of pressure, volume, and flow, even when using simple ventilation devices like bag-valve-mask (BVMs), emergency ventilators, and CPAP systems.

8. Recordings 

When using the PneuView software, facilitators and educators have the ability to capture ventilation data. This data can be graphed, tabulated, or digitally recorded and retrieved for later review, demonstration, and analysis. 

9. Save Data

Students should have a simple and convenient way to perform research and keep track of their findings—and our software is more than capable of achieving that. With our PneuView systems, students can conduct research and easily save their data.

10.  Easy and Durable

Last but not least, and probably the best benefit of our equipment in Respiratory Therapy Programs, is that it’s easy to use—and built to stand the test of time. 

Many facilities have been using our products for years.  The PneuView software was designed with simplicity in mind, and our software continues to evolve based on the needs of our customers. 

Our customers have been vocal about how our equipment has been able to benefit them:

“We have been using Michigan Instruments Training Lung Simulators in our Respiratory Care program for many years and we love them. The lung simulator easily provides simulation of a variety of lung conditions that students can adjust to complete a variety of lab exercises. They are versatile, and a great tool for giving students hands-on experience with mechanical ventilation techniques, simulation of disease states for understanding pathology, and much more!”

– Dr. Ann Flint, Program Director, Respiratory Care – Jackson College

Learn More About How Our Lung Simulators Benefit Respiratory Therapy and Other Educational Programs

Medical professionals, directors, and educators around the world have chosen to partner with us and use our equipment in their programs. Our Lung Simulation product line continues to expand  to better service Respiratory Therapy Programs everywhere.

If you’re interested in learning more about our lung simulation devices, the PneuView Software, or any of our additional products, contact us anytime for more information.

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Top Tips For Patient Attraction And Retention In Your Hospital

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After doing extensive research, we’ve found the top tips to help you to attract and retain patients.

Perhaps the two most important factors in the longevity of your hospital’s success are attracting new patients and retaining ones for future medical procedures they need. 

Patient satisfaction is what drives hospitals forward in funding, reputation, and much more—therefore, it’s important to know how to keep them satisfied. This practice is complex, but when executed properly, can result in great success for your hospital.

Keep reading to learn about some tips we found for attracting and retaining patients.

Tips to Attract Patients

Marketing hospitals requires brand-building and sales support, but there’s more to it than that. Making positive connections is the key factor.

Here are some tips for making those connections:

1. Know Your Niche

Consumers have several choices when it comes to products and services, including hospitals. Understanding the distinctions among different types of healthcare facilities can help you address them more effectively. 

2. Learn What Patients Want

When a patient chooses a healthcare provider, they have a lot to consider. Therefore, it takes time to make the decision. 

Listen to your patients and what they’re looking for. This is a sure way to draw in new patients, and keep your current ones happy.

3. Consider Your Online Presence

Social media and website upkeep is one of the most important factors for marketing any service. 

Top Patient Retention Strategies

Did you know that there’s a 60-70% chance that an existing patient will continue visiting a healthcare provider after their first appointment?

Patient loyalty indicates trust that has been built throughout their visits. Additionally, they’re more likely to consider recommendations or other valuable services, therefore contributing to a stronger reputation. 

There are many patient retention strategies. Here are a few:

1. Deliver Excellent Service

Like any other business, good service is not just recommended—it’s essential.

2. Show Your Patients You Care

Patients deserve a healthcare professional that truly cares about them. 

All patients are different and require different needs, so take the time to explain why you believe your chosen plan meets those needs. 

3. Ask For Feedback

Requesting feedback from your patients is a great way to better your services. Use the responses to assess which areas your facility is doing well in, and which areas you need to improve in.

Key Investments to Make in Your Hospital To Attract Patients

There are a couple investments you could make that will increase your chances of attracting new patients to your hospital. Here are some ideas:

1. Invest In Comfort

One thing patients and their loved ones look for when searching for new healthcare is comfort, both before and during the visit. Consider modernizing your waiting room with new TVs, more comfortable chairs, or vending machines.

2. Invest In Your Employees

Employees are the ones directly providing care and services to patients. Listen to them, address their concerns, and treat them with the utmost respect, because their concerns often affect the safety of all employees and patients. 

3. Invest In Education And Research

As you know, healthcare is a field that is constantly evolving with new techniques, guidelines, and protocols. 

Continuing education is necessary to broaden the skills of your staff and better equip them to solve problems, which increases productivity, lowers fatigue, and positive patient outcomes. In addition to training, there must be a demonstration of competency and classes to refresh the minds of your staff. 

Our Devices Can Help The Success Of Your Hospital

Education and relief among employees can be the key to drawing in new patients, or improving the satisfaction of your current patients. 

Our Lung Simulators could be your first step to the education and training your organization needs. Additionally, our automated CPR devices give caregivers a little extra relief, ensuring the best possible care for your patients. Contact us today for more information!

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Spontaneous Breathing vs. Mechanical Ventilation in Lung Simulators

spontaneous breathing vs mechanical ventilation

The human lungs work in miraculous ways. Whether your lungs function naturally, or you have a condition that requires breathing assistance, it’s important to make sure you have a healthy breathing process. 

There are many ways the lungs can take in oxygen. Two of these ways include spontaneous breathing, and mechanical ventilation.

Below, we discuss how these breathing methods work, what the differences are, and how lung simulators can mimic both. 

What Is Spontaneous Breathing?

Spontaneous breathing is a term used to describe psychological breathing. 

Controlled by the involuntary nervous system, spontaneous breathing is a reflex. Healthy lungs will automatically breathe air in at all times, while we’re awake and while we’re asleep. 

There are many ways that patients can keep their lungs in good shape to promote healthy breathing. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Regular exercise
  • Balanced diet
  • Watching your weight
  • Practice breathing exercises
  • Keep the air inside your home clean

What Is Mechanical Ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation is a form of life support that helps you breathe when you can’t breathe on your own. It doesn’t directly treat illnesses, but it can stabilize you while other treatments and medications help your body recover. 

Mechanical ventilation keeps your airways open, delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. This treatment method dates back to the late 18th century. However, within the last century, it has become widely introduced into routine clinical practice. 

Thus, it’s become much more sophisticated, expanding its application from the ICU to emergency medicine and even in long-term care.

Examples Of When Mechanical Ventilation Is Needed

There are several reasons why mechanical ventilation might be needed, including to:

  • Deliver high concentrations of oxygen into the lungs
  • Help get rid of carbon dioxide
  • Decrease the amount of energy a patient uses on breathing so their body can concentrate on fighting infection or recovering
  • Breathe for a person who has injury to the nervous system or who has very weak muscles
  • Breathe for a patient who is unconscious because of a severe infection, build up of toxins, or drug overdose

How Our Lung Simulators Are Making A Difference

Michigan Instruments has played a role in the development and research for mechanical ventilation with our lung simulators.  As respiratory care continues to grow and develop, Michigan Instruments continues to contribute with versatile, easy-to-set-up lung simulators.

All of our lung simulators, though versatile in capabilities, aid in the design, engineering, testing, and manufacturing of ventilation devices. 

By offering a wide range of calibrated lung compliance and airway resistance settings, our lung simulators also simulate dynamic spontaneous breathing and breathing efforts. This flexibility allows our devices to replicate hundreds of healthy and diseased lung conditions, while providing highly accurate measurements and data. 

Questions? Contact Us Today

For more information about how our lung simulators can benefit your institution’s research and treatment development, reach out to our team today!

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How Our Infant Lung Simulators Contribute to RSV Research

rsv research

Since the beginning of flu season in October, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been on the rise all around the country. RSV typically hospitalizes about 60,000 children each year in the U.S, with the infection season peaking in the winter.

However, according to the CDC, doctors have found more cases in each week this past October than any week in the last two years.

This has driven our dedication to RSV research and to training medical students and practitioners for RSV cases and care. All this is possible with our infant lung simulators.

Understanding the Impact of RSV in Children

RSV is a respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, with an average 7 day recovery time. However, infants are more likely to face far more significant side effects and longer recovery times. 

In children younger than 12 months, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Furthermore, one to two out of every 100 children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection may need to be hospitalized.

Scientists are developing several vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral therapies to help protect infants and young children, pregnant people (to protect their unborn babies), and older adults from severe infection.

However, many hospitals, facing staffing shortages, remain overwhelmed this RSV season. Medical schools and hospital leaders should prepare practitioners to treat RSV cases now more than ever. 

Simulating RSV On Our Infant Lung Simulator

Unlike other similar models on the market today, our Infant Lung Simulator provides vast flexibility and several applications for simulating a wide range of patient populations. 

This device realistically simulates infant lung capacity, clinically trains others on ventilator use and respiratory care in a hands-on manner, and simulates unexpected or complex scenarios. 

Additionally, biomedical engineers, manufacturers, and service companies can use these simulators to test the performance of mechanical ventilators and similar respiratory care devices; all in an effort to ensure that their functions are adequate for illnesses like RSV.

How Do Our Simulators Help RSV Patients?

Professionals use our lung simulators to develop new therapy strategies while working against a realistic “load” (simulated lung mechanics). Further, our devices allow trainers to simulate a wide variety of healthy and diseased lung conditions to provide training for proper care of those with viruses or other conditions. Simply put; our devices are extremely versatile.

We take pride in our ability to train and educate current and future medical professionals, with a goal of contributing to research and new developments for care of those with respiratory illness. 

Proactively Train Your Hospital Staff for a Better 2023

We know that good RSV-trained providers are invaluable — and not exactly interchangeable. With RSV still on the rise (and predicted to occur every year), proactive RSV research, training and development is more important than ever. 

To learn more about our Infant Lung Simulator, visit our Lung Simulator Page or contact us directly today!

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Top 5+ FAQs About Lung Simulators

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michigan lung simulator

For over 45 years, our Michigan Lung Simulator has offered residual lung volumes and a dynamic response to therapy that realistically represents all the functions of the human pulmonary system. Our devices are more advanced now than ever, thanks to our ever-changing technology and dedication to research.

We receive many questions about our lung simulators and their operations. Below are the questions we see most often

1. What Is The Difference Between A “Test Lung” And A “Michigan Lung Simulator”?

We’ve used the terms “test lung,” “training test lung,” and “Michigan lung simulator” to describe our TTL® and PneuView® products. In some ways, these terms are interchangeable. However, in a broader sense, the term “test lung” may include devices that are very simplistic rubber or latex bags. 

On the other hand, “lung simulators” describe a more complex system that accurately mimics the dynamic mechanical characteristics of the human pulmonary system.

2. What Is The Fundamental Purpose Of A Michigan Lung Simulator?

There are several situations and settings where the use of a lung simulator is crucial. A solid lung simulator represents the functions of the human pulmonary system, as well as a range of healthy and diseased lung conditions. 

A lung simulator should allow you to create, monitor and control those forces.  For the following applications and more, a high-quality lung simulator is needed:

  • Designing mechanical ventilators and other respiratory apparatus
  • Developing new modes of ventilation support
  • Training respiratory care and other medical professionals
  • Performing periodic testing and maintenance on ventilation and support devices
  • Troubleshooting equipment problems using a realistic “load”

3. How Do The TTL® And PneuView® Systems Model The Dynamic Compliance And Resistance Characteristic Of The Human Lungs?

Our TTL® and PneuView® systems use a bellows and spring to simulate the compliance characteristics of the lung. The spring can be positioned at several different points along the Top Plate of the simulator to create a lung compliance that ranges from very compliant to normal to very non-compliant (or stiff). 

The resistance characteristics of the lung are set using fixed-orifice parabolic resistors that may be positioned to add resistance to the upper and/or lower airway assembly.  A range of resistors allow for simulation of both healthy and diseased lung conditions.

4. What Is Factory Calibration?

Factory calibration involves tuning all aspects of sensor, electronic, mechanical and software to ensure maximum accuracy of the measurements and simulated parameters provided by TTL® & PneuView® systems. 

Calibration procedures include the setting of the compliance and resistance characteristics of the lungs, as well as setting offset and gain characteristics for each of the pressure transducer channels.

5. How Do I Read The Tidal Volume On The Lung Simulators?

Each simulated lung in the TTL® or PneuView® System has a physical volume scale behind the Top Plate. There is also a plastic pointer and label on the Top Plate that can be used to indicate lung volume. 

To ensure the most accurate indication of lung volume, the pointer on the top plate must correspond to the compliance setting on the lung. When set appropriately, the arrow will point to the gas volume in the lung. 

Note: When using PEEP or CPAP, the starting volume (baseline volume) is greater than zero. The tidal volume would be the total indicated volume minus the baseline volume.

The volume indicator lines on the label are curved, more so as the compliance setting decreases. This is due to the sideways distention of the bellows that occurs during filling of the lung under pressure.

6. Are Michigan Lung Simulators Suitable For Tests With Aerosols Or Just Dry Air Only?

Water vapor will not damage the simulator.  However, we generally don’t recommend introducing aerosolized substances into the lung chambers of our TTL® and PneuView® simulators for the following reasons:

  • Substances other than water can be corrosive to the polyurethane bellows, and/or may accumulate on the ribs of the bellows causing them to stick, become brittle, or not function properly.
  • There is no simple way to “drain” the bellows of any accumulated fluid. If using sterile/demineralized water, you may blow dry gas through the unit until it is fully dried.

Many of our customers have used the TTL® or PneuView® specifically to evaluate aerosol delivery with various devices and/or breathing patterns. In such cases, the aerosolized substance is typically collected using a hydrostatic filter placed in the simulated airway, prior to entering the lung bellows.

Let Us Answer Your Questions

If you have any other questions about our lung simulators, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly!

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Top 5+ FAQs About The SBL™

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sbl michigan instruments

After multiple requests from our customers, Michigan Instruments added it’s newest product–the Spontaneous Breathing Lung.  Our Spontaneous Breathing Lung Simulator (SBL™) offers a new and improved way to create spontaneous breathing. The SBL™ is useful for designing, testing, and training on non-invasive and supportive modes of ventilation and oxygenation.

Since its release, we’ve received many inquiries from medical professionals, researchers, and educators about this device. Keep reading to learn the most common questions surrounding the SBL™, and our answers to them.

1. Which Models of TTL and PneuView Can Be Driven By The SBL™ Spontaneous Breathing Lung Module?

The SBL™ Module is designed to operate on any Michigan Instruments lung simulator. Therefore, it can be used on the Single Adult, Dual Adult, and Adult-Infant models of TTL and PneuView products.

2. Can I Use The SBL™ In Conjunction With The PneuView Software?

There is nothing that prevents the use of the PneuView software (PV3) in conjunction with the SBL™. However, it’s important to remember that there are limitations to the use of the PV3 software in the SBL™. 

The PV3 software has more difficulty interpreting the negative pressures developed in a spontaneous breathing simulation. Therefore, certain values displayed by the PV3 software will be inaccurate when the PV3 software is used in conjunction with the SBL™.

3. Why Does The SBL™ Stutter During Inspiration Or Completely Stop Running Sometimes?

When the SBL™ stutters during use, or even if it stops operating, it’s usually due to protections programmed into the software to limit excess negative intra-lung pressure. Therefore, if the lifting load is too high or the negative pressure seen during inspiration is excessive, the motor operation will stutter or cease altogether and a message will be displayed for the user. 

This happens intentionally in order to prevent damage to the device. In these cases, settings should be adjusted to a safe operating range (i.e., reduce airway resistance, increase compliance, increase inspiratory time and/or reduce tidal volume).

4. Sometimes, I’m Not Able To Get The Rate And Volume Combination That I Set In The SBL™ Software. Is That A Problem?

Simply put, there are just certain combinations of breathing patterns and lung mechanics that are beyond the limits of the SBL™—specifically, the set lung compliance limits the available tidal volume options in the software.

5. Can I Retrofit the SBL™ To My Michigan Instruments TTL In The Field?

The retrofit process requires several modifications to the TTL or PneuView device. Furthermore, adding the SBL™ to an existing Lung Simulator must be done at the Michigan Instruments factory.

6. Can The SBL™ Module Be Added To Any TTL Or PneuView System That I Own?

No. The SBL™ is designed to be installed on one of the newer Michigan Instruments Lung Simulator models (TTL or PneuView – version 3.x). The SBL™ Module will not fit onto older models of TTL and PneuView. 

However, the SBL can be incorporated into your new Michigan Instruments Lung Simulator, or it can be retrofitted to Gen3 units.

We Can Answer All Your Questions

If you have any other questions about the Michigan Instruments’ SBL or any other devices, visit our FAQ page or contact us directly!

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How COVID-19 Has Influenced the Rise of Respiratory Therapy

respiratory therapy after covid

Like many other healthcare professionals, respiratory therapists (RTs) have had their work cut out for them ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020. Their role in the medical field, which was always considered demanding, is now even more complex and ever-changing. 

However, these challenges have pushed them to work even harder to research and practice the best care for those with respiratory complications due to COVID-19. 

Respiratory Therapists’ Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic

After over 2 years of extensive research, it has been proven that COVID-19 can have a major impact on the respiratory system. More severe cases of COVID-19 and its variants can cause long lasting complications to a person’s respiratory system.

Adults aged 65+ and those with other underlying health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may have serious symptoms; with some even having long-term effects.

As the number of patients with COVID-19 has grown, so has the demand for respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists have provided treatment for those with COVID-19-related respiratory complications in many ways. 

One way is through pulmonary rehabilitation, which helps patients improve lung function, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Respiratory therapists help aid these programs through education, exercise, and support. 

How Our Spontaneous Breathing Lung Aids in Respiratory Education

We understand that COVID-19 has affected the respiratory systems of many patients throughout the last few years, and will continue to do so as the virus persists. This is why we are proud to have our Lung Simulators used to contribute to respiratory studies.. 

We recently added the Spontaneous Breathing Lung (SBL™) to our product line. The SBL™ offers a new and improved way to create spontaneous breathing. It’s available as an independent device, or as an upgrade to the current generation TTL or PneuView Simulator.

These simulations are useful for designing, testing, and providing training on non-invasive and supportive modes of ventilation and oxygenation. Additionally, it allows control of breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, and inspiratory flow pattern. 

All these features and more make this device the ideal tool for teaching and learning about COVID-19’s respiratory impact.

Going to AARC Congress 2022? We’ll See You There!

To show our dedication, we will be attending AARC Congress this November. We’re so excited to showcase the SBL™, while connecting with respiratory therapy professionals from across the country!

Learn more about our high-quality lung simulators that you can touch, see, and modify and the differences between each one. Questions? Request a quote, or ask us anything!

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U.S. Lung Health Day: How We’re Contributing to Lung Health

lung health day

According to WebMD, tens of millions have lung disease in the U.S. alone, caused by smoking, infections, or genetic predisposition. On October 26th, we celebrate Lung Health Day in the United States, which is dedicated to raising awareness about chronic lung complications and educating others on how we can make a difference. 

Michigan Instruments is dedicated to furthering lung research and health here in the United States—and worldwide. 

What are the Most Common Lung Complications?

The most common lung complications in the U.S. include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. 

  • Asthma affects approximately 25 million people in the U.S., and is a disease that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and coughing. Asthma complications can be avoided by determining trigger attacks or taking medicine. 
  • COPD refers to a group of diseases which leads to blockage of airflow and trouble breathing. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Sixteen million Americans have this disease, which has no cure. However, there are treatments which include oral steroids, antibiotics, and smoking cessation programs.
  • Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that affects about one million people in the U.S. every year. Common causes include viruses, bacteria, smoking, or underlying conditions such as diabetes. This infection can be prevented with vaccines or antivirals. 

At Michigan Instruments, our lung simulators are available in Adult and Infant models and can replicate hundreds of healthy and diseased lung conditions. This is all, of course, while providing accurate measurements and data that inform your testing, research, and training.

Lung Health Resources

It’s important to understand the lung complications that affect so many Americans every day. Here are some resources you can use to learn more:

Click here to learn how our lung simulators can provide innovative research and testing on the future of lung health in the U.S. and worldwide.

How Michigan Instruments is Making an Impact 

Michigan Instruments is committed to furthering the advancement of lung health in the U.S.—and worldwide. We do this by providing state of the art devices for research. 

Additionally, we’re passionate about contributing to education. In the past, we’ve worked with many universities on grants and funding options.

We take pride in teaching students the basic concepts of lung compliance and airway resistance. Our devices provide simulation of a variety of lung conditions and offer a dynamic response to therapy that realistically represents the human pulmonary system.

Learn more about our Adult, Infant, and Spontaneous Breathing Lung (SBL™) Lung Simulator devices, or contact one of our representatives to learn more!

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