Inspiratory Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) is a medical procedure used to provide mechanical assistance to patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own or require additional support for breathing. It is a form of ventilation that delivers air or oxygen into the lungs under positive pressure during the inspiratory phase of respiration.
During IPPV, a mechanical ventilator is utilized to deliver a controlled flow of gas into the patient's airways. The delivered gas is pressurized to a level that exceeds atmospheric pressure, which creates a positive pressure gradient within the lungs. This positive pressure helps to open up the alveoli, which are small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange.
The inspiratory positive pressure is typically applied via an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, which is inserted into the patient's airway to ensure the proper delivery of gas. The mechanical ventilator delivers a pre-set volume or pressure of gas during inspiration, assisting the patient in taking in an adequate volume of air.
IPPV is commonly used in a variety of clinical situations, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory failure states. It is often employed in intensive care units, emergency departments, or during surgical procedures under general anesthesia.
Overall, IPPV provides effective respiratory support by delivering positive pressure during inhalation, thereby improving oxygenation and ventilation in patients who are unable to breathe sufficiently on their own.
