Purpose of review: The purpose of the review is to alert clinicians to the prevalent and frequently underrecognized problem of asynchrony in mechanically ventilated patients. To provide a mechanistic model of patient-ventilator asynchrony to help personnel understand how different asynchronies develop. To provide practical advice on how to recognize and solve different asynchronies in different contexts.
Recent findings: Patient-ventilator asynchrony is a serious problem that is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged ICU and hospital stays, and increased mortality. Asynchronies can occur in all modes of invasive and noninvasive ventilation in all care contexts.
Summary: The review provides insights into the causes of patient-ventilator asynchrony and mechanisms involved in the development of specific types of asynchrony. It explores the effects of sedation on the development of asynchrony and the impact of new ventilator modes. It also discusses the prevalence of asynchrony and its effects on outcome.