Ventilators

Ventilators

A ventilator (pronunciation: ven-ti-lay-tor) 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.

Etymology

The term "ventilator" comes from the Latin ventilare which means "to fan" or "to blow". It was first used in the medical context in the early 20th century.

Types of Ventilators

There are two main types of ventilators: invasive and non-invasive.

• Invasive Ventilation is when a machine helps with breathing through a tube inserted directly into the windpipe.
• Non-Invasive Ventilation is when the ventilator aids breathing through a mask or similar device that covers the nose and/or mouth.

Related Terms

• Intubation - The process of inserting a tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), through the mouth and then into the airway. This is done so that a patient can be placed on a ventilator to assist with breathing.
• Tracheostomy - A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck for direct access to the trachea (the breathing tube).
• Respiratory Therapist - A specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease.
• Pulmonologist - A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions and diseases.

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