Non-invasive mechanical ventilation

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is defined as ventilatory support with positive pressure in the airways, where the airway is not secured by using an endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask or endotracheal cannula. It is used in patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure caused by exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, heart failure, in immune-compromised patients, high-risk surgical procedures, and in a case of respiratory insufficiency development followed elective extubation. Contraindications for NIV are numerous and are still updating. Most frequently used modes of NIV are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and non-invasive pressure supported ventilation (NIVPS). In order to effectively implement the NIV, choose the appropriate and comfortable interface and appropriate clinical and laboratory monitoring, is very important. Disadvantages of NIV are: leakage, drying the cornea, conjunctivitis, aerophagia, stomach distension, aspiration of gastric contents, and skin lesions.