Treatment of acute respiratory failure: invasive mechanical ventilation

Background: Acute respiratory failure is a condition in which gas exchange functions decrease due to various causes. Respiratory failure is one of the most common causes of intensive care unit admissions, and most cases require invasive mechanical ventilation. Current Concepts: Invasive mechanical ventilation is defined as the delivery of positive pressure to the lungs via an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Invasive mechanical ventilation is commonly used to replace the functions of spontaneous breathing, either fully or partially, by performing the breathing function for the lungs. It is also indicated in patients who require airway protection or have neuromuscular diseases. Invasive mechanical ventilation should not be delayed until the need becomes urgent. There is no universal set of ventilation protocols established as ideal for all patients. It is essential that doctors understand and apply the necessary methods to protect the lungs from injury associated with invasive mechanical ventilation. Discussion and Conclusion: The primary goals of mechanical ventilation are to optimize oxygenation while avoiding ventilator-induced lung injury. In patients with acute respiratory failure, the mortality rate has reduced dramatically with the application of the lung-protective ventilation strategy. Patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation will survive if they are treated and monitored according to this principle, but damage to the lungs may occur if the guidelines are not followed. Therefore, it is essential to know and adhere to the initial setup and monitoring principles.