The University of Kansas
Respiratory Care Education

Infant Star

The Infrasonics Infant Star ventilator is electrically and pneumatically powered, electronically controlled by two microprocessors, and time triggered and cycled. It is primarily a pressure controller but may be a flow controller. Either continuous flow or demand flow may be selected in CPAP or IMV modes. Continuous Flow is determined by the flowmeter setting. Demand Flow means that 4 LPM are provided during exhalation. If the infant is able to drop the pressure 1 cm H20 below baseline, additional flow up to the flowmeter setting will be provided.
In addition to the Mode Selection knob, area #1 also contains the PEEP/CPAP knob and the manual breath button. Flowrate, ventilator rate, peak inspiratory pressure, inspiratory time, and low inspiratory pressure controls each have an LED display. The control knobs must be pushed in to turn.

Area #2 contains the airway pressure monitor and the displays for PEEP/CPAP, MEAN, and PIP pressures. The first control knob in area #3 allows the operator to select PEEP/CPAP, I:E Ratio, or expiratory time to view in the display window. Alarm silence and visual reset buttons are located to the right of the audiovisual alarms of low inspiratory pressure, low PEEP/CPAP, airway leak, obstructed tube, insufficient expiratory time, low O2 pressure, low AIR pressure, power loss, internal battery power, and ventilator inoperative.
4 indicates the exhalation valve compartment and the "from patient" circuit connection. 5 is the FIO2 control and 6 is the proximal airway pressure line connection. 7 indicates the "to patient" connection and the pressure-relief knob. Area 8 indicates the High Frequency compartment where there are settings for amplitude, frequency, and HFO on/off.

The Infant Star 500 has controls similar to the Infant Star. The mode selection on the 500 does not have Demand or Continuous Flow options. A Background Flow is set which provides flow for spontaneous breathing. Should the infant's inspiratory effort drop the pressure 1 cwp below baseline, additional flow is available.

The unit located on top of the Infant Star 500 pictured here is the Star Sync. The Star Sync allows the ventilator to deliver assisted breaths. An abdominal sensor detects the infant's respiratory efforts which serve as the ventilator trigger mechanism. Star Sync allows for Assist Control and SIMV mode delivery. It can also monitor CPAP mode with or without providing Apnea Ventilation.

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