Flow-Controlled Manual Ventilator (FCmV): A New Horizon in Elective and Emergency Airway Scenarios

Abstract

Ventilation through narrow bore catheters has been historically limited to patients with a patent upper airway, as expiration is limited by the high airway resistance of the catheter. Even in patients with patent upper airways, hypercarbia, air trapping and pulmonary barotrauma may still occur if adequate time is not provided for expiration. The flow-controlled manual ventilator (FCmV), which utilizes the venturi principle for active expiration, has revolutionized the ability to ventilate patients through narrow bore catheters (along with the Tritube and Evone flow-controlled automated ventilator). This chapter describes the creation of the flow-controlled manual ventilator (FCmV) or (Ventrain), its principle mechanism and uses, and evidence of its efficacy in both emergency cannot intubate cannot oxygenate (CICO) and elective situations from the literature. It may very well become a fixture on difficult airway guidelines in the near future, and anaesthesiologists must become adept at using it safely and effectively when indicated.