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Mechanical ventilator - infants
Alternative Names
Ventilator - infants; Respirator - infants
Information
A mechanical ventilator is a machine that assists with breathing. This article discusses the use of mechanical ventilators in infants.
WHY IS A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR USED?
A ventilator is used to provide breathing support for ill or immature babies. Sick or premature babies are often too weak, sick, or immature to breathe well enough on their own. They may need assistance from a ventilator to provide “good” air (oxygen) to the lungs and to remove “bad” air (carbon dioxide).
HOW IS A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR USED?
A ventilator is a bedside machine. It is attached to the breathing tube that is placed into the windpipe (trachea) of sick babies who need help breathing. Caregivers can adjust the ventilator as needed, depending on the baby's condition, blood gas measurements, and x-rays.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR?
Most babies who need ventilator assistance have some lung problems, including immature or diseased lungs, which are at risk for injury. Sometimes delivering oxygen under pressure can damage the fragile air sacs. This can lead to air leaks, which can make it difficult for the ventilator to help the baby breathe.
- The most common type of air leak occurs when air gets into the space between the lung and inner chest wall. This is called a pneumothorax. This air can be removed with a tube placed into the space until the pneumothorax heals.
- A less common kind of air leak occurs when many tiny pockets of air are found in the lung tissue around the air sacs. This is called pulmonary interstitial emphysema. This air cannot be removed but usually slowly goes away on its own.
Long-term damage may also occur, leading to a form of chronic lung disease that is called bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This is why caregivers closely monitor and try to “wean” the baby from oxygen or decrease the ventilator settings whenever possible. How much breathing support is given usually depends on the baby's needs.
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
