What does positive pressure ventilation (PPV) involve?

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) involves the assisted delivery of anesthetic gas and oxygen, which is a critical aspect of managing patients who may not be able to breathe effectively on their own. In PPV, a mechanical ventilator generates positive pressure in the airways to ensure that air (and any anesthetic agents) is delivered into the lungs, facilitating gas exchange even when the patient's respiratory efforts are inadequate or absent.

This technique is particularly useful in anesthesia, as it allows for controlled delivery of gases and helps maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation during procedures. Proper application of PPV ensures that the hypoxic patient receives enough oxygen, which is vital for maintaining vital organ function. The positive pressure helps to inflate the lungs, overcoming any impedance due to the patient's condition.

Other methods like patient-initiated breaths involve the patient's own respiratory effort, which may not be reliable under anesthesia. Natural respiratory efforts refer to the spontaneous breathing that can occur in some patients but may be insufficient in a controlled environment like surgery. Non-invasive airway management would typically not involve PPV, as it usually refers to techniques that do not require a mechanical ventilator or direct airway pressure application. Therefore, assisted delivery of anesthetic gas and oxygen is the hallmark of positive pressure ventilation.