Ventilator Support and Extubation Criteria

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a vital life support measure, but prolonged use is associated with morbidity. Indications include apnea, respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia. MV unloads the increased work of breathing and stops the development of acidosis with respiratory depression. There are no absolute contraindications, but tension pneumothorax, bronchopleural fistula, right ventricular failure, and hypovolemic shock are relative contraindications. A thorough understanding of the different modes of MV is essential for successful application. The common terms used with MV should be known, and efforts should be focused on MV liberation as soon as the patient meets criteria for safe extubation.