[Should a helmet be used to deliver noninvasive ventilation?].
Patient comfort and tolerance are key factors determining the success of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). They are largely dependent on the interface used. Conti and Antonelli have developed a transparent helmet to improve patient tolerance during NIV. The main advantage of this device is patient comfort, adaptation to any morphological features, less leaks, and communication with others. The authors have demonstrated that CO2 rebreathing and middle ear dysfunction are not an issue when using the helmet. However, delayed inspiratory triggering, pressurization and cycling are of concern and require careful management by the caregiver, while a high cost must also be kept in mind. These issues mandate awareness of the indications (usually as second-line interface) and technical limitations and pitfalls of this promising interface.
Vignaux
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L
Service des soins intensifs, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. laurence-vignaux@hcuge.ch
Tassaux
D
D
Jolliet
P
P
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000295:instrumentation*