Pneumologie
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Mechanical ventilation is required if ventilatory insufficiency is present. This is typically indicated by hypercapnea. Hypoxemia occurs secondary to hypoventilation. ⋯ Assisted ventilation will result in improved gas exchange but only incomplete unloading of respiratory muscles and therefore delayed restitution. Permanent controlled ventilation under sedation for a prolonged period (days) requires intermittent periods of assisted- or spontaneous breathing in order to avoid atrophy of the respiratory muscles. This review summarizes background information on the nature of the derangement, the relation between oxygen supply and consumption under special consideration of respiratory muscle insufficiency and impact of different ventilation modes.