What is the goal of assisted ventilation?

The goal of assisted ventilation is to ensure adequate air delivery while the patient initiates breaths. This mode of ventilation is particularly useful in situations where patients are unable to breathe comfortably on their own but can still initiate their breathing movements. Assisted ventilation supports the patient’s own respiratory efforts by providing additional air volume or pressure when they take a breath, thus enhancing gas exchange and preventing respiratory fatigue.

In this setting, the ventilatory support complements the patient's natural impulses, making it crucial for optimizing oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. This approach strikes a balance between providing necessary assistance and allowing for some level of patient control over their own breathing, which can lead to better outcomes in terms of ventilation and patient comfort.