Difference Between Invasive and Non-Invasive Ventilation

Ventilator is a device used to support breathing. It is used when there is difficulty in breathing or when spontaneous breathing has stopped. Ventilator is an important life supporting device useful in many life threatening conditions. Invasive ventilator is usually used in the intensive care setting or the operating room. An endotracheal tube is introduced under topical anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. The endotracheal tube is connected to a mechanical ventilator using appropriate connection tubing. In those who do not tolerate the presence of an endotracheal tube deep sedation and neuromuscular blockade will have to be given. A few patients do tolerate the endotracheal tube in the awake state without need for much sedation, especially after the initial few hours. Ventilator senses the breathing needs of the individual and gives appropriate pressures to inflate the lungs to either replace the breathing efforts of the individual or supplement spontaneous breathing in various disease conditions. The tidal volume delivered and the maximum pressure at which it can be delivered can be adjusted in the ventilator settings. Using too much of positive pressure can cause barotrauma to the alveoli. Various alarm settings can also be tailored to individual needs. Non-invasive ventilator is usually a smaller device with less sophistication. It is connected using an external mask which is tight fitting over the nostrils and mouth. A good air seal at the mask – face inte...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs