Principles of mechanical ventilation

Mechanical ventilation is a therapy with many indications. Acute or chronic respiratory failure, pulmonary or cardiac conditions, nervous system disorders, muscular weakness and sepsis. Clinicians caring for patients are routinely faced with the challenges of managing the ventilatory care and weaning process during the clinical course of the illness. From the days of polio epidemic, this particular area has seen enormous technological developments and research activity. These have enabled patient care to be delivered in a safe and evidence-based manner to achieve the best possible outcome. Here we describe the basic principles involved in the common modes of ventilation delivered via both invasive and non-invasive techniques. Consideration is also given to the benefits and drawbacks of each technique.