lélegeztetgép

A lélegeztetőgép, or ventilator, is a medical device that assists or replaces spontaneous breathing in patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own. It is commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs) and during surgery. The primary function of a lélegeztetőgép is to deliver a controlled volume of air or oxygen mixture into the lungs and then allow the exhalation of carbon dioxide.

There are several types of lélegeztetőgép, broadly categorized into invasive and non-invasive ventilators. Invasive ventilation requires an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube to be inserted into the patient's airway, connecting directly to the machine. Non-invasive ventilation, on the other hand, uses a mask that covers the nose and mouth, or just the nose, to deliver air pressure.

Lélegeztetőgépek can operate in various modes, tailored to the patient's specific needs. These modes can be volume-controlled, where a set volume of air is delivered with each breath, or pressure-controlled, where a set pressure is delivered. Other modes allow for assisted breathing, where the machine senses the patient's own breath and supplements it, or fully controlled breathing, where the machine dictates the rate and volume of every breath.

The decision to use a lélegeztetőgép is made by medical professionals based on a patient's respiratory status, such as low oxygen levels, high carbon dioxide levels, respiratory fatigue, or impaired breathing due to illness or injury. While crucial for survival in many critical conditions, lélegeztetőgép use also carries risks, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, lung injury, and barotrauma. The weaning process, gradually reducing reliance on the machine, is an important part of recovery.