  Quasi-static, pulmonary pressure-volume (P-V) curves over an
inflation-deflation cycle are analyzed using a respiratory system model (RSM),
which had been developed for quantitative characterization of the mechanical
behavior of the total respiratory system. Optimum mechanical ventilation
setting of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) for total alveolar
recruitment is quantified based on the existing P-V curves of healthy and
injured animal models. Our analytical predictions may contribute to the
optimization of mechanical ventilation settings for the Acute Respiratory
Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients.
