Dedicated to patients and families in need of post hospital respiratory care, including ventilator dependence, weaning, tracheostomy care, along with chronic respiratory conditions. These conditions vary greatly in complexity and severity causing decisions for treatment to be difficult to make. We offer a database filled with facilities across Ohio that offer ventilator and trach care to act as an aide in your decision making process.
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention for people with acute respiratory failure. Ventilator care and management need to be supervised by someone with specialty training. Ventcareohio.com is a resource for patients and family members who need that specialized care.
Our experts know respiratory care and can guide you through the emotions that come with this diagnosis. From a non-invasive solution to an invasive mechanical ventilator, we are here to direct you through the misperceptions and questions involved with ventilators.
If your loved one is on a ventilator, it is crucial that a knowledgeable nurse is available at all times.
Look for a facility offering skilled nurses that follow evidence-based practice guidelines. Ventilators used to be only managed in the ICU. These days, many people are now sent to nursing care centers while on ventilation, whether for short-term and weaning or long-term care.
In the context of respiratory health, invasive ventilation and non-invasive ventilation are two distinct approaches used to support individuals who are experiencing difficulty in breathing or respiratory failure. These methods are used to provide mechanical assistance to the lungs when a person's own breathing is insufficient. Let's explore the differences between them:
1. Invasive Ventilation:
Invasive ventilation involves inserting a breathing tube, known as an endotracheal tube, or “trach,” through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe) of the patient. This is typically done in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting and is often used when the patient's condition is severe and requires precise control of airway and lung function. The endotracheal tube is connected to a mechanical ventilator that delivers a controlled mixture of oxygen and air to the lungs. Invasive ventilation is used for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own due to conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pneumonia, or other critical illnesses.
Advantages of Invasive Ventilation:
- Provides precise control over the patient's respiratory parameters (tidal volume, respiratory rate, etc.).
- Suitable for patients with severe respiratory compromise or those who cannot protect their airway.
Disadvantages of Invasive Ventilation:
- Increased risk of complications, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia or lung injury.
- Requires sedation and muscle relaxation in most cases to tolerate the tube.
- Involves the risk of damage to the vocal cords and the trachea.
2. Non-Invasive Ventilation:
Non-Invasive Ventilators (NIVs), sometimes referred to by the brand name "Trilogy," are positive pressure ventilation machines that deliver ventilatory support without the need for an endotracheal tube.
Instead, a mask or other interface is used to deliver positive pressure ventilation to the patient's airways. NIV is often used for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea, where the patient's ability to breathe is compromised but not to the extent that invasive ventilation is required.
Trilogy ventilators and other NIVs can often be used at home or in a skilled nursing facility setting.
Advantages of Non-Invasive Ventilation:
- Reduces the need for intubation and associated complications.
- Improves patient comfort and allows them to communicate and eat while receiving treatment.
- Can prevent the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in some cases.
Disadvantages of Non-Invasive Ventilation:
- Not suitable for patients with severe respiratory failure or compromised consciousness.
- Requires a cooperative and alert patient.
- May not provide the same level of precise control as invasive ventilation.
In summary, the key difference between invasive ventilation and non-invasive ventilation lies in the way respiratory support is delivered. Invasive ventilation involves placing a breathing tube into the airway, while non-invasive ventilation uses masks or interfaces to deliver positive pressure ventilation without inserting a tube. The choice between these methods depends on the severity of the patient's respiratory condition and their overall health status.
How is NIV different than BiPAP?
When treating respiratory conditions such as, COPD, Chronic Respiratory Failure, Neuromuscular conditions, or Restrictive lung conditions, NIV offers several advantages over the traditional BiPAP machine. NIV:
• decreases the work of breathing while improving muscle weakness;
• decreases daytime sleepiness and morning headaches;
• decreases hospital readmissions that may require intubation;
• improves memory/concentration issues;
• improves depression and anxiety;
• maintains and improves the Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide levels in the blood;
• improves quality of sleep; and,
• allows use of the AVAPS mode which prevents dyssynchrony, leading to improved patient outcome.
Through positive-airway pressure, ventilators provide adequate levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. When there’s not enough gas exchange in the lungs, the lungs stop releasing oxygen into the blood. Respiratory failure happens when there’s a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. If the lungs can’t remove it, the respiratory system fails.
There are two types of respiratory failure:
Hypercapnic respiratory failure is when too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen are in the bloodstream.
Hypoxemic respiratory failure is not enough oxygen in the blood. The patient usually has normal or near-normal levels of carbon dioxide.
Both types of respiratory failure require mechanical ventilation.
Rapid breathing and confusion are symptoms of a high carbon dioxide level in the blood. If the oxygen levels are too low, the patient experiences an inability to breathe. The skin, lips, and fingertips have a bluish hue.
People with acute lung failure are restless, anxious, and sleepy. Irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and shallow breathing are other symptoms. Profuse sweating is also a symptom.
There are several causes of acute respiratory failure:
- Injury
- Obstruction
- Chemical inhalation
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Infection
- Stroke
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
A spinal cord or brain injury sometimes causes respiratory failure. An injury to the brain sometimes disrupts the signals telling your lungs to breathe. In that case, ventilation is necessary.
Some people have allergic reactions that cause swelling of the throat. This inhibits the breathing process as the airway narrows. In some cases, a patient overdoses on alcohol or drugs and can’t breathe for themselves. The respirator helps them breathe.
Infections, especially pneumonia, are a significant cause of respiratory failure.
A stroke sometimes causes severe breathing difficulties.