What indicates patient-ventilator asynchrony on airway graphics?

The presence of patient-ventilator asynchrony can be identified through sudden changes in flow and pressure waveforms on airway graphics. This occurs when there is a mismatch between the patient's spontaneous efforts and the ventilatory support provided by the ventilator.

When the patient's breathing efforts do not correlate with the ventilator's provided breaths, it results in erratic or abrupt variations in the flow and pressure signals. These patterns are indicative of the subtle struggle or conflict between the patient's breathing drive and the machine's timing and delivery of breaths, which can lead to ineffective ventilation or increased work of breathing.

In contrast, regular flow patterns without fluctuations suggest coordinated actions between the patient and the ventilator, meaning there is proper synchronization. Consistent oxygen saturation levels indicate stable gas exchange and do not provide direct information about asynchrony. Identical flow and pressure patterns typically reflect a well-functioning ventilatory support where the ventilator is matching the patient’s needs, showing no signs of asynchrony.