Invasive mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention for patients with respiratory failure. The most commonly used modes of mechanical ventilation are assist-control, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, and pressure support ventilation. When employed as a diagnostic tool, the ventilator provides data on the static compliance of the respiratory system and airway resistance. The clinical scenario and the data obtained from the ventilator allow the clinician to provide effective and safe invasive mechanical ventilation through manipulation of the ventilator settings. While life-sustaining in many circumstances, mechanical ventilation may also be toxic and should be withdrawn when clinically appropriate.
Noninvasive Ventilation is mechanical ventilation without the use of an endotracheal tube or tracheotomy. The two main types are positive-pressure and negative-pressure noninvasive ventilation. With the former, positive pressure is applied to the airway to inflate the lungs directly. With negative-pressure ventilation, negative pressure is applied to the abdomen and thorax to draw air into the lungs through the upper airway.
Individuals with severe cases of COVID-19 experience acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and these critically ill patients are placed on a ventilator as the main supportive treatment. In severe COVID-19 inflammation restricts the amount of oxygen an individual can take in. Ventilators force oxygen into the lungs and usually involves incubation. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing the demand for ventilators to overwhelm hospitals.