Ventaliaattorit

Ventaliaattorit, often referred to as ventilators in English, are medical devices designed to assist or entirely perform the function of breathing for individuals who are unable to do so adequately on their own. These devices deliver air or a mixture of gases into the lungs and then allow the lungs to exhale. Ventaliaattorit are crucial in various medical settings, including intensive care units (ICUs), operating rooms, and for home healthcare.

The need for ventilation can arise from a wide range of conditions. These include severe respiratory infections like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), neurological disorders that affect breathing muscles, and post-operative recovery. The primary goal of using a ventaliaattori is to ensure the body receives sufficient oxygen and to remove carbon dioxide, thereby preventing organ damage and supporting life.

There are different modes of ventilation that ventaliaattorit can employ, ranging from those that provide full support where the machine does all the work of breathing, to modes that assist the patient's own spontaneous breaths. The specific settings are tailored to the individual patient's needs and are closely monitored by healthcare professionals. The interface between the patient and the ventaliaattori can be delivered non-invasively, such as through a mask, or invasively, via an endotracheal tube inserted into the windpipe.