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Definition |
Ventilators designed for noninvasive support ventilation (e.g., through a mask or mouthpiece) in spontaneously but insufficiently breathing patients, typically in the home care environment. Noninvasive positive pressure breathing (NPPB) ventilators may use one or more of several positive pressure techniques, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level continuous positive airway pressure (Bi-level PAP), or volume- or pressure-targeted ventilation. These support ventilators typically consist of a unit that delivers the positive pressure and a breathing circuit including a mask (either nasal or oronasal) or a mouthpiece for external delivery of the pressurized gas to the patient; they may also include a high-flow gas source and a manometer. NPPB ventilators are intended for patients suffering from restrictive thoracic disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), central sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); they are frequently used only during the night. Some intensive care ventilators include capabilities that allow their use also for noninvasive ventilation. (Universal Medical Devices Nomenclature) |
