title: Principles of mechanical ventilation--a critical review.
abstract: This article is the first of a two-part review focusing on mechanical ventilation, with particular emphasis on non-invasive ventilation when managing patients suffering from respiratory failure. This article explores the principles underpinning artificial ventilation, explains the difference between positive and negative pressure ventilation, and differentiates between invasive and non-invasive modes of ventilation. Finally it examines the various operational features, flexibility in use and limitations that artificial ventilation therapy presents. Optimum ventilatory practice requires knowledge to ensure the choosing of the 'right' ventilator. It ensures informed practice and maintains optimum patient safety.
authors.affiliation: De Montfort University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Leicester, UK.
authors.forename: Dhanishwar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pertab
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000451:nursing