Mechanical ventilation (MV)

Artificial lung ventilation (ALV) is a method of supporting breathing with the help of a special device that delivers an air-oxygen mixture to the lungs and ensures the removal of carbon dioxide. Depending on the patient's condition, the device can support spontaneous breathing or fully provide lung ventilation. ALV is used in cases of severe respiratory failure, as well as during surgical operations under general anesthesia.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, modern artificial respiration devices are used, including equipment from the Swiss manufacturer Hamilton Medical. Different ventilation modes allow the operation of the device to be adjusted according to the patient's needs. Such equipment is used in operating rooms, intensive care units, and resuscitation ambulances to support breathing during operations, the treatment of severe conditions, and medical transportation.

The operation of the device depends on the selected ventilation mode. If the patient cannot breathe independently, the device fully provides breathing at a set frequency. If spontaneous breathing is preserved, the equipment helps to take breaths, reducing the load on the respiratory muscles.

The principle of ALV operation involves setting the number of breaths per minute, the volume of air or pressure during inhalation, and the oxygen concentration. The doctor selects these parameters according to the patient's condition and changes them during treatment if necessary.

A modern ALV device constantly monitors ventilation parameters using built-in sensors. If disturbances occur, for example, the pressure in the airways changes or the air supply is disrupted, an alarm signal is triggered, which alerts the medical staff.

In cases of acute respiratory disorders, the patient requires emergency care. According to medical indications, ALV may be started even before hospitalization, using a portable device in a resuscitation ambulance.

The method of connection to the ALV device depends on the patient's condition and the selected type of ventilation.

Connection to the device and the ALV procedure take place in several stages:

• Patient preparation. The anesthesiologist assesses breathing, the oxygen level in the blood, blood pressure, and other vital signs.

• Ensuring access to the airways. During non-invasive ventilation, a mask of the appropriate size is put on. During invasive ventilation, tracheal intubation is performed using medications for anesthesia and sedation.

• Device setup. The mask or breathing tube is connected to the equipment, after which the ventilation mode, oxygen concentration, and other parameters are set.

• Assessment of effectiveness. After the start of ALV, breathing parameters, blood oxygen saturation, and, if necessary, blood gas composition are checked.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain that during invasive ALV, sedation (medically induced sleep) and pain relief are usually used to reduce discomfort from the use of a breathing tube. The depth of sedation is selected individually and adjusted depending on the patient's condition.

Artificial lung ventilation is performed under constant medical supervision. Patients who require prolonged respiratory support stay in the intensive care unit, equipped with modern ALV devices, monitoring systems, and equipment to support the body's vital functions.

ALV is discontinued when the patient's condition improves and they can independently maintain adequate breathing. The doctor assesses lung function, the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, the stability of blood pressure, and the general condition of the body.

During prolonged invasive ventilation, preparation for disconnection from the device takes place gradually. If the patient receives sedative medications, their dosage is reduced when the patient's condition allows it. After this, the doctor reduces the level of mechanical support and performs a spontaneous breathing trial. If the patient breathes independently and has sufficiently recovered cough and swallowing reflexes, the doctor may remove the breathing tube.

After operations under general anesthesia, ALV is usually discontinued immediately after the end of anesthesia, when spontaneous breathing is restored. During non-invasive ventilation, support is reduced or discontinued after breathing and gas exchange stabilize.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note that the duration of ALV depends on the patient's condition and the course of the underlying disease. After disconnection from the device, breathing and the oxygen level in the blood continue to be monitored. If necessary, oxygen therapy is prescribed, and if spontaneous breathing worsens again, mechanical ventilation is resumed.

Artificial lung ventilation helps support breathing in severe conditions, but its prolonged use may be accompanied by complications. Their risk depends on the underlying disease, the duration of ventilation, the method of connection, and the patient's general condition.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), possible complications of ALV include:

• ventilator-associated pneumonia — infectious inflammation of the lungs that may develop after 48 hours of invasive ventilation;

• damage to lung tissue — excessive pressure or air volume may cause injury to the lungs, including pneumothorax;

• irritation and damage to the airways — may occur as a result of prolonged presence of an intubation tube in the trachea;

• weakening of the respiratory muscles — may occur during prolonged mechanical ventilation and complicate the return to spontaneous breathing;

• circulatory disorders — increased pressure in the chest during ventilation sometimes causes a decrease in blood pressure.

To reduce the risk of complications, doctors regularly assess the patient's condition, adjust the settings of the ALV device, and take measures to prevent infections. When respiratory function improves, mechanical support is gradually reduced, preparing the patient for spontaneous breathing.

The cost of artificial lung ventilation at the Oxford Medical medical center depends on the type of respiratory support, the duration of its provision, and the scope of necessary medical care. If the patient is in the intensive care unit, the need for medication treatment, examinations, and constant medical observation is additionally taken into account.

To clarify the cost of medical services or obtain information about patient hospitalization, call the Oxford Medical contact center. Before a planned surgical intervention, you can schedule a consultation with an anesthesiologist to discuss the specifics of anesthesia and respiratory support.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• US National Library of Medicine

• American Thoracic Society