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Published on: January 17, 2011
Delivery of average assured pressure support (AVAPS) through tracheostomy in paediatric patients
Vishal Saddi1,2, Antonia O'Connor1,2, Ganesh Thambipillay1,2
1Department of Sleep Medicine Sydney Children's Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia.
Insights
Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) successfully ventilated four pediatric patients with tracheostomies. This study shows AVAPS is a viable option for complex pediatric ventilation cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Respiratory physiology
- Mechanical ventilation
Background:
- Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) is a ventilation mode designed to deliver a set tidal volume by adjusting inspiratory pressure.
- Limited data exists on AVAPS use in pediatric populations, especially those requiring tracheostomy ventilation.
Observation:
- This case series evaluated the use of AVAPS in four pediatric patients with tracheostomies.
- These patients presented with complex respiratory needs requiring mechanical ventilation.
Findings:
- AVAPS mode was successfully implemented in all four pediatric patients.
- The mode effectively delivered the prescribed tidal volumes while adapting to patient needs.
Implications:
- AVAPS may be a safe and effective ventilation strategy for pediatric patients with tracheostomies.
- Further research is warranted to explore AVAPS in broader pediatric critical care settings.
Abstract:
Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) mode has been available since 2009 and allows the ventilator to deliver a constant pre-set tidal volume by automatically adjusting the inspiratory pressures within a set range. Data in AVAPS mode use is limited in both paediatric populations, and in patients who are ventilated through a tracheostomy. This case series reports on the successful use of AVAPS mode in four paediatric patients with tracheostomy ventilation.
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