intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB)

Introduction

IPPB is a technique used to provide short-term or intermittent positive pressure mechanical ventilation. IPPB can include pressure-, time-limited, as well as pressure, time, & flow-cycled ventilation. IPPB may be delivered to intubated & nonintubated patients IPPB can be administered in settings that include hospital, clinic, extended care facility, & home.

Indications

• improving lung expansion
• short-term ventilatory support for patients who are hypoventilating as an alternative to endotracheal intubation & continuous mechanical ventilation.
• delivery of aerosol medication

Contraindications

• spontaneously breathing patients when other less expensive therapies can reliably meet the clinical objectives prescribed for the patient

Notes

Limitations

• all of the mechanical effects of IPPB are short-lasting < an hour after treatment

More general terms

• non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV)