Mechanical Ventilation: Approaches and Special Considerations

In this chapter, we complete the discussion of mechanical ventilation by examining approaches to mechanical ventilation for different patient populations and how to assess whether a patient is ready for liberation from mechanical ventilation. Each of the three chapters is intended to build on the preceding one and therefore establishes a functional unit with regard to mechanical ventilation, whether it is provided in an invasive or a noninvasive fashion.  This review contains 1 Figure, 1 Table and 31 references Key Words: acute respiratory failure, ARDS, mechanical ventilation liberation, spontaneous breathing trial, tracheostomy