What’s a mechanical ventilator?
A mechanical ventilator is a device that makes it easier for patients to breathe until they are able to breathe completely on their own. Normally a patient is connected to the ventilator through a tube (called an endotracheal tube) that is placed in the windpipe. Sometimes the patient can breathe through a mask or mouthpiece, but this may not work with severe respiratory problems. Despite their life-saving benefits, mechanical ventilators carry many risks, such as: • Infections – The endotracheal tube in the windpipe makes it easier for bacteria to get into the lungs. As a result, the lungs may develop pneumonia. • Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) – The mechanical ventilator pushes air into the lungs. Part of the lung may become over-expanded and leak air into the chest cavity. This causes the lung to collapse. However, pneumothorax can be treated and it rarely causes death. • Lung damage – When diseased lungs don’t function well, they are at greater risk of injury. This can be caused by
