Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical Ventilation (pronunciation: meh-ka-ni-kal ven-ti-lay-shun) is a method to assist or replace spontaneous breathing. This can be a life-saving intervention, but it also carries potential complications such as lung injury, cardiovascular impairment, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Etymology

The term "Mechanical Ventilation" is derived from the Greek word "mechanikos" meaning "of or pertaining to machines" and the Latin word "ventilatio" meaning "a blowing".

Types of Mechanical Ventilation

There are two main types of mechanical ventilation: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive mechanical ventilation involves the use of a machine to take over the work of breathing when a patient is unable to breathe on their own, often through a tube inserted into the windpipe. Non-invasive ventilation, on the other hand, provides support to help a patient breathe, often through a mask over the nose and mouth.

Indications

Mechanical ventilation is indicated in several situations, including respiratory failure, severe dyspnea, and certain neurological diseases. It is also used during general anesthesia for surgical procedures.

Complications

Potential complications of mechanical ventilation include barotrauma, volutrauma, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. These complications can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and increased mortality.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Mechanical Ventilation
Wikipedia's article - Mechanical Ventilation

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Mechanical Ventilation