VENTILATOR
A ventilator is a medical device designed to
assist patients in breathing by delivering air—
either with or without supplemental oxygen—
into the lungs when they are unable to breathe
sufficiently on their own.
INTRODUCTION
A ventilator is a machine that helps a patient
breathe when they are unable to do so on their
own.
It delivers air (with or without oxygen) into the
lungs and removes carbon dioxide.
It is life-saving during respiratory failure,
surgeries under general anesthesia, or trauma.
History of
VENTILATORS
Founding Year 1928
First mechanical ventilator for polio patients .
1950s - 1970s
Throughout these years developments of “Volume cycled
Ventilators” happening .
2000s and 2020
In 2000s advanced “Microprocessor controlled
Ventilators” are made.
In 2020 , surge in ventilator use due to COVID - 19
pandemic.
INDICATIONS
Used when lungs can't perform gas exchange
efficiently.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS REQUIRING VENTILATORS:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Pneumonia
Head injury or coma
COVID-19
Post-surgery recovery
Prevents respiratory failure and keeps patient alive
during recovery.
BASIC WORKING PRINCIPLE
A ventilator pushes air into the lungs using positive
pressure.
It maintains specific volume, pressure, and oxygen
concentration.
Breathing is assisted or fully controlled depending on
patient need.
Exhalation may be passive (elastic recoil of lungs) or
assisted.
MAIN COMPONENTS
OF A VENTILATOR
Control System: Microprocessor-based controller to
regulate modes.
Air Source: Either compressed air tanks or hospital gas
lines.
Valves and Sensors: Control air flow and measure
parameters.
Humidifier: Adds moisture to air to prevent lung dryness.
Display & User Interface: Touchscreen showing patient
parameters and alarms.
MODES
OF VENTILATION
Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV): Delivers fixed tidal
volume.
Pressure-Controlled Ventilation (PCV): Delivers air until a
set pressure is reached.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): For
spontaneous breathers.
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Different pressure
during inhale/exhale.
SIMV (Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation):
Combines machine and patient breaths.
PSV (Pressure Support Ventilation): Assists patient-initiated
breaths.
TYPES
OF VENTILATORS
Invasive Ventilator: Requires endotracheal tube or
tracheostomy.
Non-Invasive Ventilator: Uses face mask or nasal
mask (e.g., CPAP, BiPAP).
ICU Ventilators: Advanced, multi-mode, for critically ill
patients.
Portable Ventilators: Lightweight, battery-operated
(ambulance or home care).
Transport Ventilators: Used during patient transfer.
PARAMETERS MONITORED
Tidal Volume (VT): Air delivered per breath.
Respiratory Rate (RR): Breaths per minute.
I:E Ratio: Ratio of inspiration to expiration time.
FiO₂: Fraction of inspired oxygen.
PEEP: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure – prevents
alveolar collapse.
SAFETY FEATURES AND
ALARMS
High Pressure Alarm: Due to blockage, coughing,
or kinked tube.
Low Pressure Alarm: Leak or disconnection.
Apnea Alarm: No detected breath.
Battery Backup: For power failure.
Filter & Humidifier Alarms: For infection control
and airway safety.
VENTILATOR CIRCUIT
Composed of:
Inspiratory limb: Delivers air to patient.
Expiratory limb: Removes exhaled air.
Filters (HEPA): Block pathogens.
Humidifier: Prevents airway drying.
Closed-loop circuit ensures hygiene and
efficiency.
APPLICATIONS
IN ICU & EMERGENCY
Used in:
Surgical anesthesia
ICU care (ARDS, COVID-19, sepsis)
Emergency trauma resuscitation
Neonatal units
Essential in life support and organ
preservation.
CHALLENGES
AND LIMITATIONS
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Due to
long-term use.
Need skilled operation: Trained ICU staff
required.
Dependency risk: Prolonged use can weaken
natural breathing.
Cost and Maintenance: High-tech machines
require upkeep.
RECENT ADVANCES
Smart Ventilators: AI-controlled weaning and
monitoring.
Touchscreen UI & Remote Monitoring
Wireless and IoT Integration
Portable ventilators for COVID-19 home
management
Closed-loop control using patient feedback
CONCLUSION
OF VENTILATORS
Ventilators are critical for respiratory support.
Technological advancements have improved
patient outcomes.
Proper training, hygiene, and monitoring are
vital.
Future: AI, automation, and smart ICU
systems.
THANK YOU
