What is
mechanical ventilation?
Mechanical ventilation is a form of
artificial respiration that uses a
breathing machine (mechanical
ventilator) to assist patients with breathing. It is used when
the lungs are not functioning properly.
How does the breathing machine (mechanical
ventilator) work?
A breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) pushes air into the
lungs. It includes controls to adjust the rate and size of each
breath, a humidifier to warm and moisten the air going into the
lungs, special tubing for the air to pass through, and a trap to
collect unused moisture from the tubing. The breathing machine
insures that adequate
oxygen gets into the blood stream and
carbon dioxide is exhaled.
Tubing, called breathing maching tubing or ventilator tubing,
runs from the breathing machine to the
breathing tube
(endotracheal tube), which is inserted through the patient's mouth or
nose. Sometimes the breathing machine tubing is connected to a
tracheostomy tube. The breathing machine tubing, which is the
larger "corrugated" tubing consists of two parts: one delivers the
oxygen to be inhaled and the other part carries away the exhaled
gas, including carbon dioxide. They meet at the junction with the
breathing tube (endotracheal tube) or tracheostomy tube.
How long is a breathing machine used?
Usually a breathing machine is only used from few hours to a few
weeks. Occasionally, a patient is required to use a breathing
machine for much longer. Usage is determined by the doctor and is
based on frequent assessments of the patient.
Does it hurt to be on the breathing
machine?
No. The patient can feel air being pushed into the lungs, but it
does not hurt.
Are there any potential complications
associated with use of a breathing machine?
Patients who require breathing machine support are at increased risk
to develop
pneumonia. Occasionally, patients may develop a
collapsed lung. Both of these complications require treatment.
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Mechanical Ventilation 
