A continuous high flow intermittent mandatory ventilation system incorporating a Downs Venturi device and a modified nuffield series 200 ventilator

• Published in: Anaesthesia and intensive care Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 351 - 357
• Main Authors: BREEN, D. P, SPIERS, A. D, STOKES, J. W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edgecliff Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 01.08.1988
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Anesthesia: equipment, devices; Biological and medical sciences; Equipment Design; High-Frequency Ventilation - instrumentation; Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation - instrumentation; Medical sciences; Oxygen - administration & dosage; Oxygen - analysis; Positive-Pressure Respiration - instrumentation; Rheology; Ventilators, Mechanical; Intermittent mandatory ventilation; Ventilator
• ISSN: 0310-057X; 1448-0271
• DOI: 10.1177/0310057X8801600318

Systems for respiratory support are becoming increasingly expensive and complex. Many systems suffer inadequacies when used for spontaneous ventilation. Some modes on newer ventilators are rarely used because of the complex controls and settings. There is no truly universal ventilator that satisfies every intensivist's wishes. CPAP/IMV is becoming accepted as the standard management of many patients with acute respiratory failure and there would be few intensive care units where CPAP/IMV is not used for part of a patient's respiratory support. We describe a cost-effective system that may be used for respiratory support in the spontaneously breathing mode. This system combines a high flow venturi, an efficient humidifier and an inexpensive reliable ventilator that can be used for adult and paediatric patients. The system, primarily for use in patients breathing spontaneously, functions well in patients requiring full ventilation.