In Dermatology, ventilation modes are of primary importance when dealing with patients with respiratory distress in the intensive care setting. Ventilation is typically thought to be a pulmonary medicine, but dermatologists can already see cases for which ventilator support is needed, such as severe drug reactions or infectious complications of the respiratory system.

This article discusses key ventilation strategies and how those impacted patient outcomes. This is an important part of any exam or study to improve your clinical knowledge. Here are the basics of ventilation to ensure that you understand and further excel in the path of your medical career.

What is Mechanical Ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation is a life support system that provides assisted breathing when patients cannot inhale and exhale well on their own. It can be non-invasive (by way of a mask) or invasive (using an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy). It is aimed at maintaining oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination, preserving tissue perfusion, and avoiding respiratory failure.

Types of Ventilation

Ventilation can be broadly divided into invasive and non-invasive.

1. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) – Ventilatory support through a mask or similar device without intubation is referred to as Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV).
2. Invasive Ventilation – Requires an endotracheal tube (ETT) or tracheostomy for direct airway management.

There are multiple modes for both types that are determined by the condition of the patient.

Why is Ventilation Relevant in Dermatology and Venereology?

Ventilation has typically been considered to be a pulmonary medicine problem, although some dermatological and venereal diseases can become complicated and produce severe systemic illness requiring ventilatory support. These include:

• SJS/TEN – If there is mucosal sloughing, it can cause airway obstruction and need for intubation.
• Angioedema – In severe cases, emergency ventilation may be required because of severe airway swelling.
• Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions – Severe reactions like DRESS syndrome can cause pulmonary involvement.
• Systemic Vasculitides – Wegener’s granulomatosis is a disease that can negatively affect lung function.
• Infectious Diseases – Respiratory distress may develop as a result of HIV/AIDS-related pneumonia or from severe bacterial skin infections.

What are Modes of Ventilation?

Modes of ventilation or provided ventilations in critical care settings are the different modes of treatment provided by ventilation machines to assist and replace a patient’s breathing. These modes govern how the ventilator delivers breaths to a patient and how respiratory distress can be managed in the ICU ventilator modes chart.

Patients with compromised lung function, such as ARDS, COPD, or other postoperative complications, all require adequate ventilation. The appropriate ventilator mode is selected to achieve both effective oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide.

Types of Modes of Ventilation

The table below briefly describes the different types of modes of ventilation:

Mode of Ventilation	Controlled Mandatory Ventilation (CMV)	Synchronised Intermittent Mode Ventilation (SIMV)	Pressure Support (PS)	Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Physical Characteristics	Patient weight: 50kg	Respiratory Rate (RR): 14/min	Pressure is being controlled	Spontaneous breathing + PEEP
Tidal Volume	7-8 ml/kg	400 ml/kg	Not a weaning mode	It works on two mechanisms of keeping alveoli open.
Patient Efforts	No effort from the patient	Less V/Q mismatch	Less protective ventilation	CPAP to enhance oxygenation
Usage	Requires heavy sedation	Minimal/slight sedation	Pediatric patients	Used in BIPAP therapy

Types of Ventilator Modes in ICU

The table below describes the different types of ventilator modes in ICU:

Ventilation Mode	Description	Common Use Cases
Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV Mode in Ventilator)	It provides a preset quantity of air with each breath.	Suitable for patients with stable lung compliance
Pressure-Controlled Ventilation (PCV Mode in Ventilator)	With each breath, delivers a preset pressure.	This is used for patients who have low lung compliance, such as ARDS
Synchronised Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV Mode in Ventilator)	Allows spontaneous breathing with mandatory breaths.	SIMV full form stands for Synchronised Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation, which helps wean patients from mechanical ventilation
Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV Full Form)	It provides positive pressure ventilation at specified intervals.	This can be used for patients who are unable to maintain effective ventilation.
Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP Full Form in Medical)	Prevents collapse of alveoli by maintaining airway pressure.	PEEP full form: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

These ventilator types play a key role in ICU ventilator settings in order to provide optimal respiratory support for the patient. To make effective decisions about clinical care in critical care environments it is important to understand these ventilation modes.

Uses and Applications of Ventilator Modes

Different ventilator modes are designed to cater to various respiratory conditions, providing optimal support based on the patient’s needs. Below are the common ventilator modes and their applications in medical practice.

1. ICU and Emergency Care

• For critically ill patients who require respiratory support, several types of ventilators in the ICU are used.
• An ICU ventilator modes chart assists physicians when selecting appropriate settings for the optimal care of patients.

2. Post-Surgical Support

• The ventilation machine is widely used in many surgeries, most especially those involving general anaesthesia.

3. Chronic Respiratory Conditions

• Long-term types of mechanical ventilation are necessary for patients who have conditions such as COPD or neuromuscular diseases.

4. Weaning from Ventilation

• SIMV mode of ventilation helps to reduce ventilator dependence gradually.

FAQs about Ventilation Modes

1. What is the difference between volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilation?

Depending on lung conditions, the ventilator’s VCV mode ventilates air at a fixed volume, while the PCV mode ventilates air at a set pressure.

2. What is the purpose of PEEP in ventilators?

PEEP full form is Positive End-Expiratory Pressure. It prevents lung collapse and improves oxygenation.

3. What does SIMV stand for in ventilation?

SIMV’s full medical form is Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation. It combines mandatory and spontaneous breaths and is often used to wean patients off mechanical ventilation.

4. How are ventilator settings adjusted for different patients?

Ventilator settings are adjusted based on patient-specific needs, including oxygen levels, lung compliance, and overall condition.

5. Where can I find a ventilator modes chart for ICU settings?

A comprehensive ventilator modes chart is usually included in ICU protocols and critical care textbooks.

Conclusion

Understanding modes of ventilation is essential for managing critically ill patients effectively. Whether it’s types of ventilator modes in an ICU or ventilator settings for post-operative care, each mode of ventilator plays a specific role. By mastering these concepts, medical professionals can enhance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.A thorough knowledge of ventilator and ventilationtypes is crucial for those preparing for medical exams. Stay ahead in your preparation for the NEET PG exam 2025 by keeping up with the latest advancements in respiratory support systems!