Internal Circuit (Double-circuit design)

• Double circuit
includes bellows or
a bag containing
desired tidal
volume
• Bag is compressed
and desired tidal
volume is delivered
to lungs

1st Respiratory Care Comprehensive Review Course 17

The External Circuit (Patient Circuit)

1st Respiratory Care Comprehensive Review Course 18

Compressors or Blowers
• Can be driven by pistons, rotating blades, moving diaphragms, or
bellows
• Most common type of compressor: rotary compressor
• Examples:
• Viasys Avea
• LTV ventilators

1st Respiratory Care Comprehensive Review Course 22

Facts to Consider
• Patients may require support during weaning
• Supplemental O2 and PEEP may be required
• Require an artificial airway
• Extubation is different from discontinuation of support
• May require one or all of the above
Methods of Titrating Ventilator Support
During Weaning
• Three approaches
1. Intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV)
2. Pressure-support ventilation (PSV)
3. T-piece weaning