ERRORS IN VENTILATION THERAPY

In spontaneous breathing intrathoracic pressure alternates between pos itive and negative in a biphasic sequential pattern. By contrast, duri ng mechanical ventilation (IPPV, CPPV) the intrathoracic pressure rema ins above atmospheric all the time. Due to these unphysiological condi tions there are extensive causal and side effects on the lung parenchy ma and other organs. Erros in the artificial ventilation technique can magnify these effects. In order to minimize these deleterious effects of positive pressure ventilation it is essential to keep the procedur e as short and little invasive as possible. The following strategy ena bles this goal to be brought closer: 1) early commencement of ventilat ion; 2) optimal adjustment of artificial ventilation to the individual needs of the patient, 3) early weaning from assisted ventilation thro ugh augmented rather than controlled modes of ventilation: 4) kinetic therapy (systematic changing of the patient's position) with the back up of the requisite thoracic CT scan findings; 5) reduction of the inv asiveness of the procedure in order to ensure early commencement of sp ontaneous respiration.