mechanical ventilator

Introduction

A mechanical device that aerates, or oxygenates the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

Ventilator types:

• pressure-cycled
  • set to deliver a given pressure
  • tidal volume is determined by:
    • airway resistance
    • lung & chest wall compliance
• volume-cycled
  • set to deliver a given tidal volume
  • pressure required to deliver set tidal volume depends upon:
    • airway resistance
    • lung & chest wall compliance

More general terms

• device (medical device)

Additional terms

• mechanical ventilation (assisted ventilation)