Druckunterstützung

DruckUnterstützung, also known as pressure support, is a mode of assisted mechanical ventilation in which the ventilator supplies a preset level of positive airway pressure during the patient’s spontaneous breathing efforts. The support pressure is added to the inspiratory flow generated by the patient, reducing the work of breathing and facilitating gas exchange while preserving the patient’s own respiratory drive.

In clinical practice, DruckUnterstützung is employed primarily in intensive care units for patients who are transitioning from controlled ventilation to spontaneous breathing, as well as for those with chronic respiratory insufficiency who require long‑term non‑invasive ventilation. The ventilator detects the onset of the patient’s inspiratory effort, typically via a flow or pressure trigger, and delivers a constant pressure throughout the inspiratory phase until a termination criterion, such as a predetermined flow decline or a set inspiratory time, is reached. The level of pressure support can be adjusted to achieve target tidal volumes or to compensate for changes in respiratory mechanics.

Advantages of DruckUnterstützung include improved patient comfort, reduced diaphragmatic fatigue, and the ability to tailor support to individual needs. Because the patient initiates each breath, the mode helps maintain synchrony between ventilator and patient, decreasing the risk of asynchrony-related complications. However, excessive pressure support may lead to over‑ventilation, hypocapnia, or patient‑ventilator dyssynchrony if triggers are set improperly.

Monitoring of DruckUnterstützung involves assessment of respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial blood gases, and patient comfort. Adjustments are guided by clinical parameters, such as the need to maintain adequate ventilation while minimizing the work of breathing. The mode is often combined with other ventilator strategies, such as positive end‑expiratory pressure (PEEP), to optimize oxygenation and airway stability.