THE FLOW INTERRUPTION TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE

The interrupter technique for measuring respiratory resistance was first proposed in 1927, but despite periodic resurgences of interest since then, it has not achieved the widespread acceptance and use of other methods for measuring resistance. This is certainly due in part to the rather severe methodologic problems the technique presents, particularly with regard to the rapidity of closure of the interrupter valve, the frequency response of the transducer required to measure pressure, and the acquisition and analysis of a pressure signal in which the event of interest occupies such a short time interval. Current technology, however, has allowed investigators to successfully overcome these difficulties, resulting in a good understanding of the physiologic information provided by the interrupter technique. We review the current knowledge about the interrupter technique, including the physiologic interpretation of the data obtained by rapidly interrupting airway flow, the practical implementation of the technique, and the relationship between other methods and the interrupter technique. © 1991.