Ventilators

Abstract

Ventilators are microprocessor controlled devices used to augment or replace patient's respiratory muscles in performing the work of breathing. A basic knowledge of controls, variables and alarms in a ventilator and features available in newer modifications will facilitate the practitioners to choose a ventilator to suit his requirement. Besides conventional ventilators and transport ventilators, newer modifications such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilators, high frequency ventilators (HFV) and non-invasive ventilators (NIV) are discussed with some examples available in Indian market. Recommendations for basic features which should be available in a ventilator and guidelines for sterilization are also given.