Introduction: Flow Controlled Ventilation Mode Through a Straw Size Tube

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of respiratory care, the search for optimal ventilation strategies has been marked by important moments of innovation driven by challenging clinical circumstances. Our management is refined with the improved understanding of respiratory physiology, the development of highly intelligent devices and a drive for advancement. The advent of flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) represents one such paradigm shifts in respiratory therapy. As we embark on a comprehensive exploration of FCV in this textbook, we invite readers to delve into the intricate interplay between respiratory physics, mechanical ventilation strategies, and the clinical applications of FCV across diverse clinical scenarios. As opposed to conventional ventilators which rely on active inspiration to deliver tidal volume and a passive expiration, flow-controlled ventilators employ active processes for both inspiration and expiration. This flow can be set to be low and constant, allowing gradual inspiration and expiration with more homogeneous distribution of air. It also mitigates the high pressure generated through airway stenosis or smaller diameter endotracheal tubes with conventional modes when achieving adequate tidal volumes. This evolution in ventilation provides the precise regulation of airflow to optimize patient outcomes and enabling practitioners to tailor ventilation strategies to the unique needs of each patient.