ventilator

A ventilator is a medical device that assists or replaces spontaneous breathing by delivering a controlled flow of gas, usually air with added oxygen, to a patient’s lungs. It can be used in hospitals for patients with impaired respiration or during anesthesia, and in some settings for noninvasive support. Invasive ventilation requires an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy, while noninvasive ventilation uses masks or helmets.

Indications for ventilation include acute respiratory failure, severe pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neuromuscular weakness, chest trauma, postoperative support, and situations requiring anesthesia or sedation. Ventilators can provide full support or assist spontaneous breathing, depending on the clinical needs.

Common modes of ventilation include controlled ventilation, assist-control, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), and pressure support ventilation. Key settings typically include tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory time, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Some modes also monitor plateau pressures and driving pressures to minimize the risk of lung injury.

Core components comprise the ventilator console, power source, pneumatic circuits, humidification and heating elements, filters, and sensors. Operators monitor airway pressures, delivered volumes, gas exchange, and patient effort, with alarms for disconnections, high or low pressures, or unreliable tidal volumes.

Safety and care considerations include infection control, adequate humidification, regular maintenance, and proper alarm function. Potential complications associated with ventilation include ventilator-associated pneumonia, barotrauma or volutrauma from overdistension, oxygen toxicity, hemodynamic perturbations, and delirium.

History and development trace from early positive-pressure devices to modern ICU ventilators, with ongoing advances aimed at better synchronization with patient effort, easier weaning, and noninvasive options.

Maintenance involves routine checks, battery backup, circuit changes, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.