MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving treatment that supports patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure. It delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the patient's lungs.

During mechanical ventilation, a machine assists a patient's respiratory function by artificially creating pressure and volume changes in the lungs. This process mimics the natural respiratory cycle when the patient's lungs expand and contract to allow air exchange.

The process of mechanical ventilation involves four phases: 

1. Inspiration: During the inspiration phase, a ventilator delivers oxygen-rich air to the patient's lungs. This causes the lungs to expand, creating a negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.

2. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP): The second phase of mechanical ventilation is the PEEP phase. In this phase, the ventilator applies a steady pressure to the patient's airways to prevent the lungs from completely collapsing during exhalation.

3. Expiration: During the expiration phase, the ventilator releases pressure, allowing the lungs to contract and expel carbon dioxide.

4. Triggering: The final phase of mechanical ventilation is the triggering phase. The ventilator uses signals from the patient's respiratory system to monitor when the patient needs to breathe.

Mechanical ventilation can deliver different levels of oxygen concentration, tidal volume, and respiratory rate depending on the patient's condition. It is a complex process that requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

Basic Modes of Mechanical Ventilation

A/C, VCV - Assisted/Controlled, Volume Cycled Ventilation.

A/C, PCV - Assisted/Controlled, Pressure Controlled Ventilation (time cycled)

SIMV - Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation.

PSV - Pressure Support Ventilation.

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