Today we look at ‘Applied Respiratory Physiology!’ This is another big topic and it’s the culmination of all our other episodes. We start by discussing the fundamental basis for preoxygenation which is a must know LO (01:09). Then we assess how anaesthesia and different patient positions effect the respiratory system (07:18). I then go over what the effects of IPPV are and how PEEP is used to mitigate this (12:14). The next LO covered breaks down the changes that occur with ageing, morbid obesity, exercise and altitude on the respiratory system (17:20). The last LO for today switches focuses and here I outline the causes of hypoxemia and hypoxia (25:54). Now there are a lot of key SAQ’s for this episode and that takes up a big chunk of this episode (31:19). This is the second last episode for respiratory physiology and we will finish with ‘Respiratory Measurement.’ Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know!

Today we look at ‘Pulmonary Circulation!’ Lucky for us this is not a big topic and it’s kind of a breather before our next episode. We start by discussion the anatomy of the pulmonary and bronchial circulation (00:52) and outline the differences between the pulmonary and systemic circulation (04:34). The most important LO in this topic is factors that affect pulmonary vascular resistance, and this takes up majority of the episode (09:14). The last LO assesses pulmonary HTN with a brief introduction of drugs used for control/treatment of pulmonary HTN (20:02).  As always, we end by looking at the key SAQs from the ANZCA and ICU exams (23:51) and there is no summary needed today. I will release a Special Episode 2 weeks before the written exam and the next episode we will go through ‘Applied Respiratory Physiology.' Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know!

Today’s topic is a big one! I start of by assessing the vertical gradient of pleural pressure (01:25). Then discuss a favourite topic closing capacity and its significance (05:53). I then explain the different types of dead space and how this links in West’s Zones of the lung (14:24). Then I look at the opposite spectrum and discuss shunt and all things that are venous admixture (27:04). Putting this together we analyse the regional differences in ventilation and-perfusion inequalities (34:31). Our last learning objective is a brief classification of V/Q measurement techniques (40:23). As always, we end by looking at the key SAQs from the ANZCA and ICU exams (42:25) and then I summarise todays topic (61:56). I will release a Special Episode 2 weeks before the written exam and the next episode we will go through ‘Pulmonary Circulation.' Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know!

We start the New Year with discussing ‘Gas Transport in Blood’. There are 4 learning objectives and this is a MUST KNOW TOPIC. I first look at the oxygen cascade (01:38) and then examine oxygen carriage in blood and the all-important oxygen dissociation curve (08:32). Then I discuss CO2 carriage and compare the CO2 dissociation curve with the ODC (22:27). Then I describe the Oxygen Flux equation (a very common viva question) and discuss markers of oxygen delivery (29:17).  Finally, there are key SAQs from the ANZCA and ICU exams that I have a look at and breakdown (33:14) and then I summarise todays topic (47:52). I will release a Special Episode 2 weeks before the written exam and the next episode we will go through ‘V/Q Relationships.' Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know!

Today I take a look at ‘Functional Anatomy’. There are 6 learning objectives and this is a jam packed podcast. I first look at upper airway anatomy with a big focus on the larynx (01:11) and then look at lower airway anatomy and breakdown ‘Weibels Zones’ and alveoli structure (16:47). Then I discuss important respiratory reflexes and how anaesthetics agents can affect these reflexes using the reflex arc (22:51). Then I change pace and talk about humidity and the importance of humidification (33:05) and look at the last LO the non-ventilatory functions of the lung (41:21). Finally, I have a look at some of the past SAQs from previous ANZCA and ICU exams (47:34) and then summarise the main points (63:51). Next episode we will go through ‘Gas Transport in Blood.' Thanks for listening! Happy New Year and as always if you have any feedback let me know!

Today I take a look at ‘Gas Volumes & Exchange’. There are 5 learning objectives that I go through. Firstly, looking at physics of gas flow and its relationship with resistance (00:41). Followed by the factors that affect airway resistance (11:03) and how it can be measured (18:11). Then I discuss lung volumes and capacities and how they can be measured (21:18). This leads in to talking about Fick’s law and an explanation of perfusion and diffusion limitation across the alveoli with respect to O2 and CO2 (28:57). With our final LO being diffusion capacity and measurement of this (34:26). Finally, we have a look at some of the past SAQs from previous ANZCA exams (39:26) and then summarise the main points (51:15). Next episode we will go through ‘Function Anatomy of Respiratory System.' Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

In this episode we take a look at the physiology behind control of ventilation. This is the first section in our Respiratory Physiology topic. At the end we also have a look at some of the past SAQs from previous ANZCA exams. Next episode we will go through 'Mechanics of Breathing.'

As always if you have any feedback or questions please email.