MECHANICAL VENTILATION Meaning and
Definition
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Mechanical ventilation refers to the process of delivering artificial respiratory support to individuals who are unable to breathe adequately on their own or require assistance due to certain medical conditions. It involves the use of mechanical devices, such as ventilators or respirators, to assist or replace the spontaneous breathing of a patient.
During mechanical ventilation, a patient's airway is typically intubated, which means a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to maintain an open and secure air passage. The ventilator, connected to this tube, delivers a controlled mix of oxygen and air into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide, helping to ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation.
Various modes of mechanical ventilation can be utilized based on the patient's specific needs and condition. Common modes include assist-control ventilation, where each breath is supported by the ventilator, and pressure support ventilation, which helps facilitate each spontaneous breath by providing an additional pressure. The settings of mechanical ventilation, such as the tidal volume (amount of air delivered with each breath) and the rate of breaths per minute, are carefully adjusted based on the patient's respiratory status.
Mechanical ventilation can be utilized in various medical settings, including intensive care units, operating rooms, and emergency departments. It plays a crucial role in the management of respiratory failure, acute lung injury, lung infections, or other conditions that impair a person's ability to breathe effectively.
Etymology of MECHANICAL VENTILATION
The word "mechanical" comes from the Latin word "mechanicus", which means "pertaining to machines". It ultimately derives from the Greek word "mēkhanē", meaning "machine". "Ventilation", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "ventilatio", which means "a blowing" or "a draft". It is derived from the verb "ventilare", meaning "to fan" or "to ventilate". When combined, "mechanical ventilation" refers to the process of providing artificial or mechanically controlled breathing support to individuals who are unable to breathe on their own.
