raised-volume rapid thoracic compression
Also written as: RVRTC — Raised-Volume Rapid Thoracic Compression
An infant lung function maneuver in which the lungs are inflated to a standardised pressure before a jacket rapidly compresses the thorax to generate a forced expiratory flow–volume curve.
Full Definition
The raised-volume rapid thoracic compression technique allows measurement of forced expiratory volumes and flows analogous to adult spirometry in infants who cannot perform voluntary maneuvers. The lungs are first inflated to a set pressure (typically 30 cmH₂O) via a facemask, and a pneumatic jacket surrounding the thorax and abdomen is then rapidly inflated to produce forced expiration. Key indices include FEV₀.₅ and forced expiratory flow at 75% of expired volume (FEF₇₅). Editors should spell out the full term on first mention with the abbreviation in parentheses; the subscript numerals in derived indices (FEV₀.₅) must be preserved in typesetting.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from the older 'tidal rapid thoracic compression' technique, which does not use lung inflation. Subscript notation in indices (FEV₀.₅) must not be converted to plain text.
In Context
- "Raised-volume rapid thoracic compression (RVRTC) yielded an FEV₀.₅/FVC ratio of 0.81, within the normal reference range." — Infant lung function report
- "The RVRTC technique requires careful size-matching of the inflatable jacket to the infant's thoracic circumference." — Procedural guideline document