AARC Master Class — Friday, Nov. 13

1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Patient-Ventilator Interaction

Back by popular demand — this advanced, interactive masterclass is designed for respiratory therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of patient–ventilator interaction across all levels of experience. Participants will examine the physiologic basis of breath delivery and expiration, along with the ventilator settings that shape mechanical breath architecture. Through small-group exercises and case-based waveform analysis, they will apply this essential foundation to interpret patient–ventilator asynchrony, understand its underlying pathophysiology, and implement evidence-based strategies to optimize interaction. Emphasis is placed on practical, bedside skills that support rapid recognition and effective management to improve patient comfort and ventilation outcomes.

1:00 p.m.–1:10 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Introduction

Eric Kriner, BS, RRT, FAARC

1:10 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Normal Waveform Architecture

Eric Kriner, BS, RRT, FAARC

Eric Kriner

This presentation, combined with small-group exercises, applies the principles of Ohm’s Law and natural decay to construct inspiratory and expiratory pressure, flow, and volume-time waveforms during volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilation.

1:55 p.m.–2:35 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Patient-Ventilator Interactions During Trigger

Tom Piraino, RRT, FAARC

Tom Piraino

This presentation defines the types of trigger discordance during breath initiation and examines their clinical implications. Strategies for recognition and evidence-based approaches to correction are emphasized to improve patient–ventilator synchrony.

2:50 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Patient-Ventilator Interaction During Inspiration

Eduardo Mirales-Cabodvila, MD

Eduardo Mirales-Cabodevila

This presentation defines the types of discordance during breath delivery (inspiration) and applies the Equation of Motion to identify abnormalities in ventilator mechanics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the clinical implications of these patterns and implementing evidence-based strategies to correct inspiratory discordance and optimize patient–ventilator interaction.

3:40 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Patient-Ventilator Interaction During Cycling

Danielle Hardy, RRT, RRT-ACCS

Danielle Hardy

This presentation defines the types of discordance during breath termination (cycling) and emphasizes their recognition using ventilator waveforms. The clinical implications of cycle discordance are examined, along with evidence-based strategies to optimize cycling and improve patient–ventilator synchrony.

4:25 p.m.–4:55 p.m. | Adult Acute Care | Room 386–387

Patient-Ventilator Interaction During Expiration

Eric Kriner, BS, RRT, FAARC

Eric Kriner

This presentation defines the types of discordance during expiration and applies the principles of Ohm’s Law and natural decay to identify common abnormalities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the clinical implications of expiratory discordance and implementing evidence-based strategies to optimize expiration and improve patient–ventilator interaction.

AARC CRCE logo

AARC Master Class is approved for CRCE.