Mechanical ventilation in nicu

Abstract

The purpose of mechanical ventilation is to improve gas exchange (O2 and CO2); mechanical ventilation can however not improve the gas exchange function of the lung but only support/replace the work done by the respiratory muscles. Mechanical ventilation can be managed in two different ways: non-invasive (tight-fitting face mask) and invasive (endotracheal intubation) (Lumb 2000). Invasive ventilation is the gold standard in neurotrauma patients because the patient has to be fully conscious and able to cooperate if non-invasive ventilation shall be successful.