Update in Anaesthesia An introduction to mechanical ventilation Fran O’Higgins, Adrian Clarke Correspondence Email:
[email protected] INTRODUCTION • Hypercarbia - PaCO2 > 8kPa, One of the main interventions offered in an Intensive • Decreasing conscious level (Glasgow Coma Care Unit (ICU) is advanced respiratory support. Score < 8), Respiratory An understanding of the indications and types of mechanical ventilation is therefore essential for anyone • Significant chest trauma, working in this environment. • Tidal volume < 5ml.kg-1 or vital capacity < 15ml.kg-1. Summary INDICATIONS FOR MECHANICAL VENTILATION Mechanical ventilation The main indication for mechanical ventilation is Causes of respiratory failure is the major invasive respiratory failure. However, other clinical indications intervention offered in the include: Inadequate gas exchange ICU. In low income countries, where the facilities exist, • prolonged postoperative recovery, • Pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). it is appropriate that this • altered conscious level, therapy is only offered to Inadequate breathing patients suffering reversible • inability to protect the airway, or • Chest wall problems e.g. fractured ribs, flail critical illness. The basics of • exhaustion, when the patient is likely to develop mechanical ventilation are chest, described, with particular respiratory failure. • Pleural problems e.g. pneumothorax, focus on overcoming The aim of mechanical/artificial ventilation is to haemothorax, common pitfalls. improve gas exchange, to reduce the work of breathing and to avoid complications while maintaining • Respiratory muscle failure e.g. myasthenia gravis, optimal conditions for the patient to recover from poliomyelitis, tetanus, their underlying illness. Whatever the indication • Central nervous system depression e.g. drugs, for respiratory support, the underlying condition of brain stem compression, head injury.