Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
Published on: May 26, 2023
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist for rapid weaning in preterm infants
Shih-Jou Fang1, Chung-Hao Su2, Da-Ling Liao3
1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
Background:
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a new mode of subject-triggered ventilation. Experience with the use of NAVA in preterm infants is limited. This study compared the effects of invasive mechanical ventilation with NAVA to conventional intermittent mandatory ventilation (CIMV) in terms of reducing the duration of oxygen requirement and invasive ventilator support in preterm infants.
Methods:
This was a prospective study. We enrolled infants of less than 32 weeks' gestation who were then randomized to receive either NAVA or CIMV support during hospitalization. We recorded and analyzed data on the maternal history during pregnancy, use of medications, neonatal data at admission, neonatal diseases, and respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Results:
There were 26 preterm infants in the NAVA group and 27 preterm infants in the CIMV group. Significantly fewer infants in the NAVA group received supplemental oxygen at 28 days of age (12 [46%] vs. 21 [78%], p = 0.0365), and they required significantly fewer days of invasive ventilator support: 7.73 (± 2.39) vs. 17.26 (± 3.65), p = 0.0343.
Conclusions:
Compared with CIMV, NAVA appears to allow for more rapid weaning from invasive ventilation and decreases the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, especially in preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome treated with surfactants.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Ventilatory Modes
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...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
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...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...

