International anesthesiology clinics
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Int Anesthesiol Clin · Jan 1997
ReviewMechanical ventilation and adjuncts in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a response of the lung to both direct and indirect insults. Although much knowledge has been gained in understanding the pathophysiology of the syndrome, overall mortality in the past 25 years remains unchanged. ⋯ The role of INO and surfactant, as well as antimediator therapy, in the armamentarium against ARDS appears promising but awaits definitive clinical trials. Only with progress and newer therapies will we be able to improve the outlook for patients and families in the future.
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The conventional modes of mechanical ventilation are volume-preset techniques that offer full or partial ventilatory support to the patient with respiratory insufficiency. The mode of ventilation is the aggregate of the mechanisms for initiation, limitation, and cycling of the ventilator. An understanding of the function of the ventilator during the phases of the respiratory cycle helps the clinician to choose the most appropriate mode of ventilation for the patient.