A Simple Guide to Ventilator Modes and Their Uses

Ventilators are essential tools in hospitals, helping people who are unable to breathe properly on their own. But did you know that there are different modes of ventilation? Each mode is designed for specific conditions and patient needs. If you're new to this field or just curious about how ventilators work, this guide will break it down in simple terms.

What is a Ventilator?

A ventilator is a machine that helps move air in and out of the lungs when a person is unable to breathe well on their own. It is commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs) for patients with serious respiratory issues.

Key Ventilator Modes and Their Uses

There are several ventilator modes, each tailored to different patient needs. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV)

What it does: Delivers a fixed amount of air (called tidal volume) with each breath.

Use: For patients who need consistent lung expansion, like those with lung disease.

Benefit: Ensures the patient always gets enough air.

2. Pressure-Controlled Ventilation (PCV)

What it does: Delivers air until a set pressure is reached.

Use: For patients with delicate lungs, such as in severe lung injuries.

Benefit: Prevents too much pressure, protecting the lungs from injury.

3. Synchronised Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

What it does: Combines machine-delivered breaths with patient-initiated breaths.

Use: Great for patients who are starting to breathe on their own but still need some support.

Benefit: Helps patients gradually take over their own breathing.

4. Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)

What it does: Supports each breath the patient takes by adding extra pressure.

Use: Ideal for patients who can breathe but need a little help.

Benefit: Makes breathing easier without taking full control.

5. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

What it does: Provides constant pressure to keep airways open.

Use: Commonly used in sleep apnea and mild respiratory distress.

Benefit: Keeps the airways open without providing full breathing support.

6. Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

What it does: Delivers different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

Use: For conditions like COPD, where the patient needs more help with breathing.

Benefit: Provides more flexibility by supporting both phases of breathing.

7. Assist-Control Ventilation (ACV)

What it does: Delivers a full breath whenever the patient initiates a breath, or if the patient doesn’t breathe on their own, it gives a breath automatically.

Use: For critically ill patients who can’t maintain their own breathing.

Benefit: Guarantees full support for breathing.

8. Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV)

What it does: Alternates between two pressure levels, allowing patients to breathe spontaneously.

Use: Often used in patients with severe lung injury (e.g., ARDS).

Benefit: Improves oxygenation while preventing lung damage.

9. High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV)

What it does: Delivers very small, fast breaths to keep the lungs inflated.

Use: Used in extreme cases, like severe lung disease or trauma.

Benefit: Helps oxygenate the patient while minimizing pressure-related damage.

10. Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA)

What it does: Adjusts ventilation based on signals from the diaphragm.

Use: Often used in newborns or patients who need synchronized breathing support.

Benefit: Provides more natural, comfortable breathing for the patient.

11. Pressure-Regulated Volume Control (PRVC)

What it does: Combines pressure control with guaranteed volume.

Use: For patients needing consistent air volumes without high pressure.

Benefit: Protects the lungs from too much pressure while ensuring enough air is delivered.

12. Volume-Assured Pressure Support (VAPS)

What it does: Provides pressure support with a guarantee of a minimum volume of air.

Use: For patients who need consistent volumes but can also breathe on their own.

Benefit: Ensures the patient gets enough air while assisting their natural efforts.

13. Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV)

What it does: Adjusts automatically based on the patient's breathing effort and lung condition.

Use: Ideal for weaning patients off the ventilator.

Benefit: Reduces the work of breathing while adapting to patient needs.

14. High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV)

What it does: Delivers very rapid, small breaths.

Use: Typically for newborns or patients with certain lung injuries.

Benefit: Provides effective ventilation while reducing the risk of lung injury.

15. Volume Support Ventilation (VSV)

How it works: This mode provides pressure support to ensure that a minimum tidal volume is achieved. If the patient’s spontaneous effort does not meet the target volume, the ventilator automatically adjusts the pressure support to deliver the needed volume.

Why use it: Useful for patients who can breathe spontaneously but require assurance that they receive adequate ventilation. It helps maintain comfort while ensuring sufficient air intake.

Benefit: Guarantees the delivery of a specific volume without needing constant control over every breath.

16. Mandatory Minute Ventilation (MMV)

How it works: The ventilator guarantees a minimum minute ventilation (the total volume of air inhaled in one minute). If the patient’s spontaneous breaths do not meet this target, the ventilator provides additional breaths.

Why use it: Ideal for patients in the weaning process or those who are critically ill but able to initiate some breaths. It allows for flexibility while ensuring that adequate ventilation is maintained.

Benefit: Balances the need for patient effort with the assurance of enough ventilation, making it easier to wean patients off mechanical support.

17. Adaptive Pressure Control (APC)

How it works: This mode adjusts the pressure support dynamically based on the patient's breathing effort and lung mechanics. It works similarly to PRVC but focuses more on adapting to real-time changes in patient effort.

Why use it: Suitable for patients who may have fluctuating breathing patterns, such as those recovering from respiratory illness.

Benefit: Provides flexibility and responsiveness, allowing the ventilator to adapt to the patient's changing needs.

Benefit: Maintains lung recruitment and reduces the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury.

19. High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV)

How it works: Similar to HFOV, but delivers rapid, small-volume breaths. The exhalation is primarily passive.

Why use it: Commonly used in neonatal care and in patients with conditions that might lead to air leaks or inoperable lung injuries.

Benefit: Effective in providing ventilation while reducing the risk of lung injury from traditional mechanical ventilation methods.

20. Inverse Ratio Ventilation (IRV)

How it works: In this mode, the inspiratory time is longer than the expiratory time (e.g., a 2:1 or greater I:E ratio). This increases mean airway pressure and improves oxygenation.

Why use it: Useful for patients with severe hypoxemia or lung compliance issues, such as in ARDS.

Benefit: Enhances oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli and maintaining lung expansion.

21. Dual-Control Ventilation

How it works: This mode combines elements of both pressure and volume control, dynamically adjusting the pressure to achieve a target tidal volume.

Why use it: Suitable for patients whose lung compliance may be changing, providing a balance between pressure safety and volume delivery.

Benefit: Provides flexibility and safety, adapting to the patient’s needs.

22. Automatic Tube Compensation (ATC)

How it works: This mode adjusts the ventilator’s pressure support to compensate for the resistance caused by the endotracheal tube, allowing for more natural breathing.

Why use it: Helpful for patients who are extubating or transitioning off the ventilator but still need some support.

Benefit: Reduces the work of breathing by adjusting for the added resistance, improving comfort.

23. Proportional Assist Ventilation (PAV)

How it works: The ventilator provides assistance proportional to the patient’s breathing effort, adjusting in real-time to the amount of effort exerted.

Why use it: Great for patients who are able to breathe but require support to enhance their efforts. Often used in patients who are ready to wean off ventilation.

Benefit: Allows for more natural breathing patterns and improves patient comfort by closely matching ventilator support to patient effort

24. Volume-Controlled Inverse Ratio Ventilation (VC-IRV)

How it works: Combines volume control with an inverse ratio, ensuring that the inspiratory time is longer than the expiratory time.

Why use it: Used in patients with severe respiratory failure to improve oxygenation while maintaining control over the delivered volume.

Benefit: Enhances lung recruitment and oxygenation while ensuring a target volume is delivered.

25. Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (CMV)

How it works: The ventilator delivers a set number of mandatory breaths per minute, regardless of whether the patient initiates any breaths.

Why use it: Primarily used in patients who cannot breathe spontaneously, such as those under heavy sedation or those with severe respiratory failure.

Benefit: Guarantees that the patient receives a specific number of breaths per minute, ensuring ventilation is maintained.

26. Controlled Ventilation

How it works: Similar to CMV, the ventilator controls all breaths without allowing for spontaneous breathing. The machine provides a set tidal volume or pressure for each breath.

Why use it: Useful for patients who are completely unable to breathe on their own and need full ventilatory support.

Benefit: Offers complete control over ventilation, which is essential for critically ill patients.

27. Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV)

How it works: The ventilator provides a preset number of mandatory breaths while allowing the patient to take additional breaths on their own.

Why use it: Suitable for patients who are recovering and can initiate some breaths but still need additional support.

Benefit: Facilitates a gradual transition from full mechanical support to spontaneous breathing.

28. Proportional Assist Ventilation (PAV)

How it works: The ventilator provides support that is proportional to the patient’s inspiratory effort, adjusting automatically based on their needs.

Why use it: Ideal for patients who have some ability to breathe on their own but require assistance, such as during weaning.

Benefit: Offers a more natural breathing experience, reducing the work of breathing without full control by the machine.

29. Volume-Controlled Pressure Support (VCPS)

How it works: This mode combines volume control with pressure support. The ventilator ensures a minimum tidal volume while adjusting pressure support as needed.

Why use it: Useful for patients who can initiate breaths but require assurance of a specific tidal volume.

Benefit: Balances volume assurance with patient-driven breathing, optimizing comfort and safety.

30. Smart Care/Ventilation

How it works: An automated mode that adjusts ventilatory support based on real-time monitoring of patient parameters and respiratory mechanics.

Why use it: Useful for weaning patients off ventilation, as it can adapt to changing needs and breathing patterns.

Benefit: Reduces the workload on healthcare providers by automating some aspects of ventilation management.

31. High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)

How it works: While not a traditional ventilator mode, HFNC delivers a high flow of warmed and humidified oxygen through nasal cannula.

Why use it: Used in patients with respiratory distress who can breathe on their own but need additional oxygen.

Benefit: Provides significant comfort and support for patients with mild to moderate respiratory failure without the need for intubation.

32. Optiflow (or High-Flow Therapy)

How it works: Similar to HFNC, Optiflow provides high-flow, heated, and humidified oxygen through nasal cannula, which can help recruit collapsed lung units.

Why use it: Often used in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure who are at risk of needing more invasive ventilation.

Benefit: Improves oxygenation and comfort while allowing patients to remain alert and interact.

33. Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV)

How it works: Uses a device (like a chest or body encasement) to create negative pressure around the thorax, pulling air into the lungs.

Why use it: Historically used for patients with neuromuscular disorders or respiratory failure who cannot use traditional mechanical ventilation.

Benefit: Can be more comfortable for patients and does not require intubation.

34. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

How it works: Although not a traditional ventilator mode, ECMO is a form of life support that temporarily takes over the work of the lungs (and sometimes the heart), allowing them to heal.

Why use it: For patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure when conventional ventilation is insufficient.

Benefit: Provides oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal while allowing time for recovery from underlying conditions.

35. Pressure-Controlled Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (PCCMV)

How it works: The ventilator delivers a set number of breaths at a predetermined pressure, providing mandatory ventilation.

Why use it: Ideal for patients requiring pressure-limited ventilation, such as those with lung injuries where high pressures could cause further damage.

Benefit: Protects the lungs while ensuring adequate ventilation.

36. Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) with Adaptive Support

How it works: Combines BiPAP therapy with adaptive support features, adjusting the pressure based on the patient's effort and respiratory needs.

Why use it: Useful for patients with fluctuating respiratory conditions or during the weaning process.

Benefit: Provides more dynamic support and comfort for patients.

37. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

How it works: Involves using masks or nasal interfaces to provide ventilatory support without intubation.

Why use it: Effective for patients with chronic respiratory failure or acute exacerbations of conditions like COPD.

Benefit: Reduces the need for invasive procedures and may improve patient comfort.

38. Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV)

How it works: Similar to traditional mechanical ventilation but emphasizes the delivery of positive pressure via an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy.

Why use it: Used in patients unable to maintain adequate ventilation due to airway compromise.

Benefit: Ensures effective ventilation and oxygenation.

39. Airway Pressure Release Ventilation with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (APRV+CPAP)

How it works: Combines APRV with CPAP to maintain lung recruitment during spontaneous breathing.

Why use it: Useful in patients with severe ARDS or lung compliance issues, allowing for improved oxygenation.

Benefit: Helps keep the alveoli open while allowing for patient-driven breathing.

40. Pressure-Controlled Ventilation with Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PCV+PEEP)

How it works: Delivers pressure-controlled breaths while maintaining a baseline level of pressure at the end of expiration.

Why use it: Useful for patients with low lung volumes or poor compliance, ensuring that alveoli remain open.

Benefit: Enhances oxygenation while minimizing the risk of barotrauma.

41. Auto-PEEP Management

How it works: Involves the use of a ventilator that can automatically adjust settings to minimize auto-PEEP (the unintended pressure remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration).

Why use it: Helpful for patients with obstructive lung diseases, preventing hyperinflation and improving ventilation.

Benefit: Reduces the risk of respiratory muscle fatigue and improves overall patient comfort.

42. High-Frequency Positive Pressure Ventilation (HFPPV)

How it works: Delivers rapid breaths with a focus on maintaining oxygenation through positive pressure.

Why use it: Useful for patients with compromised lung function, such as in severe pneumonia or ARDS.

Benefit: Allows for effective ventilation while reducing the risk of lung injury from traditional high tidal volumes.

43. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Ventilation

How it works: Integrates ventilation support with rehabilitation efforts, allowing patients to participate in physical therapy while receiving mechanical assistance.

Why use it: Beneficial for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who need both ventilatory support and rehabilitation.

Benefit: Facilitates recovery by combining respiratory therapy with physical activity.

44. Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)

How it works: Delivers positive pressure breaths intermittently, typically using a nebulizer for medication delivery.

Why use it: Useful for patients with atelectasis or those needing medication via inhalation.

Benefit: Provides both ventilatory support and medication delivery in one session.

45. Neuromuscular Ventilation (NMV)

How it works: Focuses on providing support specifically for patients with neuromuscular diseases, adjusting ventilatory support to match their unique needs.

Why use it: Critical for patients with conditions like myasthenia gravis or ALS, where muscle strength is compromised.

Benefit: Tailored support that can adapt as the disease progresses.

46. Delayed Intubation Ventilation

How it works: Provides support via non-invasive methods while delaying the need for intubation until absolutely necessary.

Why use it: Useful in patients with mild to moderate respiratory distress who might improve with supportive therapy.

Benefit: Reduces the risks associated with intubation and allows time for potential recovery.

47. High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation with PEEP (HFOV+PEEP)

How it works: Combines high-frequency oscillation with positive end-expiratory pressure to enhance oxygenation while minimizing lung injury.

Why use it: Suitable for patients with severe respiratory failure, particularly in pediatric populations.

Benefit: Maintains lung recruitment and oxygenation without the need for high tidal volumes.

48. Volume-Controlled Synchronized Ventilation (VCSV)

How it works: A blend of volume control and synchronized breaths that allows the patient to initiate breaths while ensuring a set tidal volume is delivered.

Why use it: Useful for patients in the process of weaning who still need support for some breaths.

Benefit: Promotes patient-ventilator synchrony and comfort.

49. Sequential Ventilation

How it works: Involves alternating between different modes (like pressure support and volume control) based on the patient's changing condition.

Why use it: Helps optimize ventilation during different stages of a patient's recovery or worsening condition.

Benefit: Provides tailored support throughout the course of treatment.

50. Invasive Monitoring with Ventilation (IMV)

How it works: Integrates invasive monitoring parameters (like arterial blood gases) to adjust ventilatory settings in real-time.

Why use it: Important for critically ill patients whose respiratory status can change rapidly.

Benefit: Ensures optimal ventilation based on precise measurements of the patient's condition.

51. Patient-Centered Ventilation (PCV)

How it works: Focuses on maintaining patient comfort and synchrony with the ventilator, often incorporating features like noise reduction and gentle pressure adjustments.

Why use it: Useful for long-term ventilated patients, particularly in palliative care settings.

Benefit: Enhances patient comfort and satisfaction while receiving respiratory support.

52. End-Expiratory Pressure Ventilation (EEP)

How it works: Maintains a slight pressure at the end of expiration to prevent collapse of the alveoli.

Why use it: Effective for patients with atelectasis or in need of recruitment maneuvers.

Benefit: Improves oxygenation and lung function without the risks associated with high tidal volumes.

53. Adaptive Positive Pressure Ventilation (APPV)How it works:

Adjusts the pressure support based on the patient's respiratory rate and effort in real time.

Why use it: Beneficial for patients with fluctuating respiratory needs or those recovering from sedation.

Benefit: Provides dynamic support, improving patient comfort and ventilation efficiency.

54. Ventilation with Heliox

How it works: Involves using a helium-oxygen mixture to improve airflow and reduce airway resistance.

Why use it: Useful for patients with severe airway obstruction or asthma exacerbations.

Benefit: Enhances gas exchange and reduces the work of breathing.

55. Pressure-Controlled Inverse Ratio Ventilation (PC-IRV)

How it works: Involves longer inspiratory times compared to expiratory times to improve oxygenation and recruitment of collapsed alveoli.

Why use it: Effective for patients with severe hypoxemia and lung compliance issues.

Benefit: Enhances oxygenation by keeping the lungs open longer.

56. Volume-Controlled Assist-Triggered Ventilation (VCAT)

How it works: The ventilator provides volume-controlled breaths triggered by the patient's effort, ensuring a set tidal volume is delivered.

Why use it: Useful for patients who can initiate breaths but need assurance of adequate tidal volume.

Benefit: Encourages spontaneous breathing while ensuring the patient receives the necessary volume.

57. Augmented Pressure Support Ventilation (APSV)

How it works: Enhances standard pressure support ventilation with additional features, such as ensuring a minimum tidal volume is reached.

Why use it: Beneficial for patients transitioning off mechanical ventilation who still require support.

Benefit: Provides a safety net while promoting patient-initiated breaths.

58. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) with Recruitment Maneuvers

How it works: PEEP is applied during mechanical ventilation, followed by recruitment maneuvers to open collapsed alveoli.

Why use it: Effective for patients with ARDS or other conditions where lung recruitment is needed.

Benefit: Improves oxygenation and lung compliance.

59. Dynamic Ventilation

How it works: Involves adjusting ventilatory settings based on real-time respiratory mechanics and gas exchange metrics.

Why use it: Useful for patients with variable respiratory conditions, allowing for continuous optimization of support.

Benefit: Enhances ventilation efficiency and patient comfort.

60. Minimal Ventilation Mode

How it works: Provides the least amount of support necessary to maintain adequate ventilation, often in combination with spontaneous breathing.

Why use it: Used for patients who are stable and can maintain their own breathing with minimal assistance.

Benefit: Reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation, promoting independence.

61. Selective Breathing Support

How it works: Focuses on providing support for specific breathing patterns or phases (like inspiratory-only support).

Why use it: Useful in situations where certain phases of breathing need reinforcement, such as during weaning.

Benefit: Customizes support to the patient’s unique breathing needs.

62. Respiratory Rate Adaptive Ventilation (RRAV)

How it works: Adjusts ventilatory support based on the patient’s spontaneous respiratory rate and effort, modifying settings dynamically.

Why use it: Ideal for patients recovering from respiratory distress who may fluctuate in their breathing patterns.

Benefit: Provides real-time support, improving patient comfort and ventilation.

63. Acute Respiratory Failure Protocol (ARFP)

How it works: A systematic approach to initiating and adjusting mechanical ventilation based on specific protocols tailored for acute respiratory failure.

Why use it: Ensures timely and appropriate interventions based on evidence-based guidelines.

Benefit: Enhances patient outcomes through standardized care.

64. Eucapnic Ventilation

How it works: Maintains normal levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) during ventilation, adjusting settings to ensure eucapnia (normal CO2 levels).

Why use it: Useful for patients at risk of hypercapnia or hypoventilation, particularly in chronic conditions.

Benefit: Prevents complications associated with CO2 retention.

65. Controlled Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (CIMV)

How it works: Provides a controlled number of mandatory breaths interspersed with spontaneous breathing opportunities.

Why use it: Suitable for patients in the weaning phase who require some mandatory support while still being allowed to breathe spontaneously.

Benefit: Encourages respiratory muscle use while maintaining adequate ventilation.

66. Pediatric Ventilation Modes

How it works: Specialised modes designed for pediatric patients, accounting for their unique respiratory mechanics and needs.

Why use it: Tailored to children with respiratory distress or failure, ensuring appropriate ventilation.

Benefit: Enhances safety and effectiveness of ventilation in young patients.

67. Adaptive Pressure Support Ventilation (APSV)

How it works: Automatically adjusts the pressure support level based on real-time feedback of the patient’s inspiratory effort.

Why use it: Beneficial for patients transitioning off mechanical ventilation, offering more support when needed and less during stable periods.

Benefit: Increases patient comfort by matching ventilatory support to breathing effort.

68. Pressure-Controlled Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (PCIMV)

How it works: Provides a set number of pressure-controlled mandatory breaths while allowing for spontaneous breaths in between.

Why use it: Ideal for patients needing some assistance while still encouraging spontaneous breathing.

Benefit: Balances ventilator support with patient-initiated breathing, promoting weaning.

69. High-Flow Nasal Cannula with Adaptive Features

How it works: Provides high-flow oxygen therapy with features that adjust flow rates based on Patient need.

Why use it: Effective for patients with acute respiratory distress or during recovery phases.

Benefit: Improves comfort and oxygenation without the need for invasive procedures.

70. Integrated Ventilation Systems

How it works: Combines mechanical ventilation with monitoring systems that track lung mechanics and gas exchange in real time.

Why use it: Enhances the ability to customize ventilation strategies based on precise physiological data.

Benefit: Allows for more targeted interventions and better patient outcomes.

71. Rescue Ventilation Techniques

How it works: Specific strategies used to manage sudden respiratory deterioration, such as adjusting ventilator settings or switching modes rapidly.

Why use it: Essential for critically ill patients who may experience acute respiratory failure.

Benefit: Ensures immediate response to changing patient needs, enhancing survival rates.

72. Two-Level Positive Airway Pressure (TL-CPAP)

How it works: Offers two levels of pressure support: one for inhalation and another lower level for exhalation.

Why use it: Useful for patients who need enhanced support during inspiration but are capable of some spontaneous breathing.

Benefit: Improves patient comfort and can help in the weaning process.

73. Targeted Ventilation Techniques

How it works: Adjusts ventilator settings to achieve specific physiological goals, such as maintaining particular levels of oxygen or CO2.

Why use it: Particularly beneficial in managing patients with chronic respiratory conditions or during acute exacerbations.

Benefit: Enhances the overall effectiveness of ventilatory support by aligning with clinical goals.

74. Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation with Augmented Support (SIMV-AS)

How it works: A hybrid of SIMV with added support during spontaneous breaths, ensuring the patient receives adequate ventilation while still allowing for breathing effort.

Why use it: Ideal for patients who are weaning but still require additional help to maintain adequate ventilation.

Benefit: Promotes patient comfort and readiness for extubation.

75. Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP)

How it works: Delivers continuous positive airway pressure via nasal interfaces, keeping airways open without mandatory breaths.

Why use it: Commonly used in neonatal care and for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Benefit: Helps maintain airway patency and improve oxygenation without intubation.

76. Pressure Support Ventilation with Auto-PEEP Detection

How it works: Detects and compensates for auto-PEEP (the pressure remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration) during pressure support ventilation.

Why use it: Essential for patients with obstructive lung disease to prevent complications associated with hyperinflation.

Benefit: Improves patient comfort and reduces the work of breathing.

77. Continuous Negative Pressure Ventilation (CNPV)

How it works: Applies negative pressure around the thorax to facilitate airflow into the lungs.

Why use it: Historically used for patients with neuromuscular diseases or those needing support without invasive methods.

Benefit: Non-invasive and promotes comfort during ventilation.

78. Extended High-Frequency Ventilation (EHFV)

How it works: Involves the delivery of high-frequency oscillations for longer durations than standard high-frequency ventilation.

Why use it: Used in patients with severe lung disease, particularly when traditional methods fail.

Benefit: Enhances oxygenation while minimising lung injury.

Conclusion

The diversity of ventilator modes allows for highly tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of patients facing respiratory challenges. By understanding these options, healthcare professionals can better support patients through critical illness, recovery, and weaning processes.

If you have specific questions about any mode, additional details, or topics related to mechanical ventilation, feel free to ask!