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Abstract
New features of mechanical ventilators are frequently introduced, including new modes, monitoring techniques, and triggering techniques. But new rarely translates into any measureable improvement in outcome. We describe 4 new techniques and attempt to define what is a new invention versus what is innovative—a technique that significantly improves a measurable variable. We describe and review the literature on automated weaning, automated measurement of functional residual capacity, neural triggering, and novel displays of respiratory mechanics.
- mechanical ventilation
- weaning
- neurally adjusted ventilatory assistance
- ventilator
- functional residual capacity
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati OH 45267-0558. E mail: richard.branson{at}uc.edu.
Mr Branson presented a version of this paper at the symposium Current and Evolving Concepts in Critical Care, at the 54th International Respiratory Congress of the American Association for Respiratory Care, held December 13—16, 2008, in Anaheim, California. The symposium was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Ikaria.
- Copyright © 2009 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.
