[Respirators in intensive care medicine. Fundamentals]

Microprocessor-controlled intensive care ventilators combine controls of pressure, flow, volume, and timing to generate various breathing modes and differentiated breathing patterns that will meet the respiratory needs of the patient. This is essential when respirator-supported ventilation is performed. Graphic representation of ventilatory parameters is another important feature, facilitating subtle adjustments. The future may bring even more desirable options to improve monitoring of respiratory mechanics and make management easier. Modern ventilators differ less in technical features than do the accessories with different options. Most of these options are costly without any corresponding benefit in terms of treatment or diagnosis; nevertheless, future upgrading possibilities should be borne in mind when hardware is purchased. There is no ideal ventilator, and the success of respiratory treatment will therefore continue to be dependent on the patient's underlying disease and the therapist's level of training and experience rather than on the choice of respirator.