Recent innovations in mechanical ventilator support

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation as a means to provide basic lifesaving ventilatory support has grown leaps and bounds in the recent years. The basic modes of ventilation have seen a sea change and in addition other innovative techniques have been developed to prevent lung injury, ease of weaning and improve patient comfort. These modes and techniques though easily available are not adequately utilized for benefits of patient usually due to lack of knowledge about them. This article reviews some of these newer modes and innovations in mechanical ventilatory support.

Keywords

• Adaptive support ventilation
• airway pressure-release ventilation
• continuous mandatory ventilation
• high-frequency oscillatory ventilation
• neurally adjusted ventilator assistance
• positive end-expiratory pressure
• pressure support ventilation
• proportional assist ventilation
• synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation