A mechanical ventilator is a machine that assists breathing. A conventional ventilator provides oxygen at various lung opening pressures, and operates at breathing rates from 0 to 120 breaths/minute. These ventilators operate at much slower rates than the high frequency ventilators. There are many different types of conventional ventilators.

WHY IS A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR USED?

A ventilator is used to provide breathing support for ill or immature babies. Sick or premature babies often have breathing problems, and cannot breathe adequately on their own. They need assistance from a ventilator to provide exchange of “good” air (oxygen) into the lungs and “bad” air (carbon dioxide) out.

HOW IS A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR PLACED?

A ventilator is a machine at the bedside that is attached to the breathing tube (endotracheal tube) that sick babies have placed in their windpipe. Care givers can adjust the ventilator based on physical findings, blood gas measurements, and x-rays of the baby.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR?

Most babies who require ventilator assistance have some degree of lung problem, including fragile lungs that are at risk for injury. While a ventilator provides assistance for the baby by exchanging air, the delivery of oxygen under pressure can result in damage to the fragile air sacs.

Sometimes such damage results in air leaks. These can be tiny (pulmonary interstitial emphysema) or large (pneumothorax). Long-term damage may also occur, resulting in a form of chronic lung disease that is called bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This is why the caregivers closely monitor and attempt to “wean” or decrease the settings on the ventilator whenever possible. It is the baby, however, who determines the level of support needed in most clinical circumstances.