What is a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) and what does it do?

Some patients need help to breathe. In this situation a “breathing machine” – also known as a mechanical ventilator – is used to assist the function of the lungs.

• The ventilator blows air into the lungs, helping to maintain proper levels of oxygen in the blood.
• To use a mechanical ventilator, the medical team needs some form of access to the patient’s lungs.
• A tube can be inserted into the mouth or nose to reach the lungs. This is called intubation.
• Or, a tube can be inserted into the windpipe, medically known as the trachea. The procedure to create an opening in the windpipe is called a tracheostomy.

Mechanical ventilators are complex machines that can be adjusted to meet the needs of each patient.

• The most common adjustments will affect how much effort the patient needs to make, and how much oxygen is delivered.
• Adjustments are made fairly frequently throughout the day to improve the patient’s comfort level and ensure proper oxygen levels in the blood.
• Respiratory therapists and physicians use protocols, or guidelines, to adjust the controls, and they discuss changes and improvements with the team on a daily basis.