Recent advances in mechanical ventilation

Important advances have been made over the past decade towards understanding the Mechanical optimal approach to ventilating patients with acute respiratory failure. Evidence now supports the use ventilation; of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in selected patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure and Noninvasive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and for facilitating the disconventilation; tinuation of ventilatory support in patients with chronic pulmonary disease. The concept of a lung Acute respiratory protective ventilatory strategy has revolutionized the management of the acute respiratory distress distress syndrome; syndrome. The process of liberation from mechanical ventilation is becoming more standardized, with Weaning evidence supporting daily trials of spontaneous breathing in all suitable mechanically ventilated patients. This article critically reviews the most important recent advances in mechanical ventilation and suggests future directions for further research in the field. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.