Ventilator Modes

Assist/Control (A/C)

Breaths delivered by the ventilator control either volume or pressure
Ventilator delivers the same measured breath every time
Breath can be initiated by the patient or the ventilator

Spontaneous (SPONT)

Patient-initiated and sustained breathing
Ventilator controls oxygen amount, and pressure
Delivers flow and volume as needed to help the patient breathe
Patient can breathe at a continuous positive airway pressure

Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

Combination of set patient or ventilator-initiated breaths delivered by the ventilator that control volume or pressure, and the patient’s own spontaneous breaths.

Ventilator breath types

Volume Control Ventilation (VCV/VC)

Mandatory breath
Can be used in either A/C or SIMV modes
Targets a specific lung volume during inspiration

Pressure Control Ventilation (PCP/PC)

Mandatory breath
Can be used in either A/C or SIMV modes
Targets a specific pressure during inspiration

Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV/PS)

Spontaneous breath
Can be used in either SPONT or SIMV modes
Targets a specific pressure to achieve adequate tidal volume

Ventilator Settings

Ventilator Alarms

The information and guidance presented on this website is informational only and not intended to influence practice or supersede the instructions for use of any specific device.

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VentilatorModes and Breath Types