Invasive and noninvasive ventilation in the emergency department

Abstract

This article reviews invasive and noninvasive ventilation for emergency physicians. It presents an overview of respiratory physiology principles that will help emergency physicians adapt their ventilation strategies to any clinical situation. The basic modes of ventilation are summarized. The advantages and limitations of certain novel modes of ventilation are presented. This review highlights a variety of ventilation strategies to be used for patients with normal lung mechanics and gas exchange, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, decreased lung compliance, airflow obstruction, and weakness or restriction of the chest wall. This article will help clinicians prevent, recognize, and treat complications of mechanical ventilation.