Non-invasive ventilation: current status

Mechanical ventilation is being increasingly used in many disciplines by specialists who manage critically ill patients. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) refers to the method of providing assisted ventilation without endotracheal intubation. This technique requires a positive-pressure ventilator, connected by a tubing to an interface device that directs intermittent positive pressure through the upper airway and actively assists ventilation. The use of NIV is increasing for patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure, because of its convenience, lower cost and minimal complications. The greatest advantage of NIV is that endotracheal intubation is not required. Although it is an extremely useful technique, it cannot be used in all patients and correct patient selection is important. It has been extensively used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure. It has also been found to be useful in acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and acute severe asthma. All patients with respiratory failure need to be considered for NIV if they fulfil the requisite criteria. Patients who are unable to protect the upper airway, those with severe life-threatening hypoxaemia, or major associated organ dysfunction are unlikely to benefit from this technique. Despite these limitations, NIV can be useful in many conditions that lead to respiratory failure. NIV is a relatively new technique and has not found a place in all intensive care units. It is expected that this modality will be used more frequently in the near future.