What are therapists aiming to do during episodes of patient ventilator asynchrony?

During episodes of patient ventilator asynchrony, therapists aim to adapt the ventilator to the patient’s needs. Ventilator asynchrony occurs when there is a mismatch between the patient's own breathing efforts and the ventilator's timing or mode of support. This can lead to discomfort for the patient and an ineffective ventilation strategy. By adjusting the ventilator settings—such as the mode, support levels, or trigger sensitivity—therapists can better match the ventilator's functionality to the patient's spontaneous breathing patterns.

This approach promotes better synchrony, improving patient comfort and ventilation efficiency. It helps to ensure that the patient receives adequate support while still allowing them to exert some control over their own breathing, which can facilitate a more natural and effective breathing pattern. The ultimate goal is to foster a collaborative interaction between the patient and the ventilator, enhancing overall outcomes during mechanical ventilation.