þrýstingsstuðningur

þrýstingsstuðningur is an Icelandic term that translates to "pressure support" in English. It refers to a mode of mechanical ventilation used in respiratory therapy. In this mode, the ventilator delivers a preset level of positive pressure during the patient's spontaneous inspiratory effort. This assistance helps to reduce the work of breathing for the patient.

When a patient initiates a breath, the ventilator senses the inspiratory flow and delivers the set pressure support. This pressure is maintained throughout the inspiratory phase, or until the patient exhales, depending on the ventilator settings. Unlike pressure-controlled ventilation, the tidal volume in pressure support is variable and depends on the patient's effort and lung mechanics. The primary goal is to augment the patient's own breathing, making it less demanding.

þrýstingsstuðningur is often used as a weaning mode to help patients gradually transition off mechanical ventilation. It can also be employed in patients with respiratory distress who are capable of making some spontaneous respiratory effort but require assistance. The level of pressure support can be adjusted to optimize patient comfort and work of breathing. This mode is characterized by patient-triggered, pressure-limited, and flow-cycled breaths.