Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is a broad term encompassing any technique that delivers positive pressure to the airway during inspiration. This can be done invasively, through a tube inserted into the trachea (endotracheal tube), or non-invasively, through a mask or nasal prongs. The goal of PPV is to keep the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) open, improving gas exchange and oxygenation.
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a type of PPV that uses a machine to deliver breaths to the patient. This is the most invasive form of PPV, as it requires intubation. The ventilator controls the rate, depth, and timing of breaths, taking over the patientβs breathing entirely. MV is used in critical care settings for patients with severe respiratory failure who cannot breathe adequately on their own.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a type of non-invasive PPV that delivers a constant stream of positive pressure to the airway throughout the respiratory cycle. This helps to splint open the airways, particularly during expiration, preventing them from collapsing and improving airflow. CPAP is commonly used for patients with sleep apnea, but it can also be used for some types of respiratory failure in non-critical settings.
Is there anything else?