Ventilator: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:18, 22 March 2025

Ventilator[edit]

A ventilator is a machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. Modern ventilators are computerized microprocessor-controlled machines, but patients can also be ventilated with a simple, hand-operated bag valve mask.

History[edit]

The history of ventilators dates back to the 19th century with the development of the first mechanical ventilators. The East-Radcliffe Respirator was one of the early models used in hospitals. Over the years, technology has advanced significantly, leading to the development of sophisticated devices like the Hamilton C6.

Types of Ventilators[edit]

Ventilators can be classified into several types based on their operation and application:

Closed-circuit ventilators: These systems are designed to provide a controlled environment for the patient, minimizing the risk of infection and contamination.
Open-circuit ventilators: These are typically used in less controlled environments and may be more susceptible to external factors.

Functionality[edit]

Ventilators work by delivering a set volume of air to the patient at a controlled rate. The main parameters that can be adjusted include:

Tidal volume: The amount of air delivered to the lungs with each breath.
Respiratory rate: The number of breaths delivered per minute.
Inspiratory pressure: The pressure applied to deliver the air into the lungs.

Applications[edit]

Ventilators are used in various medical settings, including:

Intensive care units (ICUs): For patients with severe respiratory conditions.
Operating rooms: To assist patients under anesthesia.
Emergency medicine: For immediate respiratory support in critical situations.

Recent Developments[edit]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in the development and production of ventilators. Notably, NASA developed the VITAL ventilator, a device specifically designed to address the needs of COVID-19 patients.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

East-Radcliffe Respirator
Modern ventilator in use
NASA VITAL team
NASA VITAL ventilator
VITAL ventilators

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Ventilator'''
+== Ventilator ==
+[[File:Hamilton_C6.jpg|Hamilton C6 ventilator|thumb]]
+[[File:Ventilators.jpg|Various types of ventilators|thumb|left]]
+[[File:Ventilator_pressures_labeled.png|Diagram of ventilator pressures|left|thumb]]
+[[File:Closed_circuit_ventilators.gif|Closed-circuit ventilator|thumb]]
+[[File:Open_circuit_ventilator.gif|Open-circuit ventilator|thumb]]
+[[File:Biology_of_ventilation.gif|Biology of ventilation|left]]
-A '''ventilator''' is a machine that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. While modern ventilators are computerized machines, patients can be ventilated with a simple, hand-operated bag valve mask.
+A '''ventilator''' is a machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. Modern ventilators are computerized microprocessor-controlled machines, but patients can also be ventilated with a simple, hand-operated bag valve mask.
 == History ==
-The negative pressure ventilators such as the iron lung were widely used for polio patients before the widespread use of positive pressure ventilators. The positive pressure ventilators were first used in the 20th century with increasing frequency as the polio epidemics decreased.
+The history of ventilators dates back to the 19th century with the development of the first mechanical ventilators. The [[East-Radcliffe Respirator]] was one of the early models used in hospitals. Over the years, technology has advanced significantly, leading to the development of sophisticated devices like the [[Hamilton C6]].
-== Types ==
+== Types of Ventilators ==
-There are two main types: positive pressure ventilators and negative pressure ventilators.
+Ventilators can be classified into several types based on their operation and application:
-=== Positive pressure ventilators ===
+* '''Closed-circuit ventilators''': These systems are designed to provide a controlled environment for the patient, minimizing the risk of infection and contamination.
+* '''Open-circuit ventilators''': These are typically used in less controlled environments and may be more susceptible to external factors.
-These ventilators work by increasing the patient's airway pressure through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. The positive pressure allows air to flow into the airway until the ventilator breath is terminated. Then, the airway pressure drops to zero, and the elastic recoil of the chest wall and lungs push the tidal volume — the breath out through passive exhalation.
+== Functionality ==
-=== Negative pressure ventilators ===
+Ventilators work by delivering a set volume of air to the patient at a controlled rate. The main parameters that can be adjusted include:
-These ventilators create a negative pressure in the patient's airway, causing air to flow into the lungs.
+* '''Tidal volume''': The amount of air delivered to the lungs with each breath.
+* '''Respiratory rate''': The number of breaths delivered per minute.
+* '''Inspiratory pressure''': The pressure applied to deliver the air into the lungs.
-== Uses ==
+== Applications ==
-Ventilators are chiefly used in intensive care medicine, home care, and emergency medicine (as standalone units) and in anesthesia (as a component of an anesthesia machine).
+Ventilators are used in various medical settings, including:
-== Risks ==
+* '''Intensive care units (ICUs)''': For patients with severe respiratory conditions.
+* '''Operating rooms''': To assist patients under anesthesia.
+* '''Emergency medicine''': For immediate respiratory support in critical situations.
-The main risks of mechanical ventilation include lung damage, fluid buildup, and infection.
+== Recent Developments ==
-== See also ==
+In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in the development and production of ventilators. Notably, NASA developed the [[VITAL ventilator]], a device specifically designed to address the needs of COVID-19 patients.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Mechanical ventilation]]
+* [[Respiratory therapy]]
 * [[Intensive care medicine]]
-* [[Anesthesia]]
-* [[Tracheostomy]]
-== References ==
+== Gallery ==
-<references />
+<gallery>
+File:East-Radcliffe_Respirator_Wellcome_L0001305.jpg|East-Radcliffe Respirator
+File:DSC_0509-Edit-cr.jpg|Modern ventilator in use
+File:PIA23891-NASA-VITAL-Team-20200430.jpg|NASA VITAL team
+File:PIA23775-NASA-VITAL-Ventilator-20200430.jpg|NASA VITAL ventilator
+File:PIA24034-VITAL-Ventilators-20200804.jpg|VITAL ventilators
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Medical equipment]]
 [[Category:Respiratory therapy]]
-[[Category:Intensive care medicine]]
-{{stub}}