Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The main objective of this CRD is to develop a mathematical model to evaluate the mismatch of pulmonary gas ventilation and gas-blood perfusion in the lungs. Working with Rostrum Medical Innovations Inc. (Vancouver, Canada), our industrial partner, we aim to answer the following questions: (i) Can we derive a measurement of the intrapulmonary shunt (lack of ventilation) of a lung using measurable inhaled and exhaled gas fractions? (ii) Can we identify differences in gas ventilation and gas-blood perfusion mismatch induced by dead space (areas of no gas-blood perfusion) and/or lack of ventilation in the lung? (iii) In the presence of respiratory distress, such as severe alveoli collapse or pulmonary edema, what happens to blood gas levels and tissue damage under the simultaneous adjustment of the ventilator and positive end-expiratory pressure? Our long term goal is to provide Rostrum with key tools and insights related to data analytics and quantitative modelling that are central to their business strategy. The resulting impact is a healthier Canada and a positive impact on the Canadian economy.