Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
12:09
Ex Vivo Porcine Experimental Model for Studying and Teaching Lung Mechanics
Published on: April 19, 2024
2.2K
Patient-ventilator asynchrony during conventional mechanical ventilation in children
Guillaume Mortamet1,2,3, Alexandrine Larouche1,3, Laurence Ducharme-Crevier1,3
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Annals of Intensive Care
|December 22, 2017
Summary
Critically ill children on mechanical ventilation often experience significant patient-ventilator asynchrony, impacting their breathing patterns. Improving this interaction is crucial for better outcomes in pediatric critical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Mechanical Ventilation
Background:
- Patient-ventilator asynchrony is a common challenge in critically ill children.
- Understanding its characteristics and risk factors is essential for optimizing respiratory support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patient-ventilator asynchrony in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.
- To identify risk factors for asynchrony.
- To assess the association between asynchrony and ventilator-free days.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, single-center study of mechanically ventilated children (≥24 hours).
- Analysis of patient-ventilator asynchrony using ventilator pressure curves and electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi).
- Comparison of manual analysis with a fully automated algorithm (NeuroSync index).
Main Results:
- Fifty-two children were analyzed; 18 had insufficient ventilatory drive for asynchrony calculation.
- Children spent 27% of ventilation time in asynchrony, primarily due to cycling-off errors and trigger delays.
- A high prevalence of asynchrony was confirmed (NeuroSync index 45%); no association with ventilator-free days was found.
Conclusions:
- Conventional mechanical ventilation in children is associated with poor patient-ventilator interaction.
- Depressed ventilatory drive and significant asynchrony are frequent.
- Further research is needed to evaluate strategies for improving patient-ventilator synchrony in pediatric critical care.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
808
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
808
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
3.0K
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
3.0K
01:14Ventilatory Modes
1.7K
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
1.7K
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
628
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
628
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
2.3K
Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
2.3K
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
726
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned...
726