Mechanical Ventilation: How to Set Up the Ventilator

Abstract Summary Mechanical ventilation is a key component in the management of critically ill patients. Therefore, the attending physician needs a comprehensive understanding of the indications, aims, and underlying physiology when treating mechanically ventilated patients to avoid potentially detrimental consequences like ventilator-induced lung injury. A structured approach includes an assessment of the respiratory system, the clinical situation of the patient, and choosing the correct ventilatory mode that avoids patient–ventilator asynchrony. This chapter outlines essential features of respiratory mechanics, their effect on different ventilator strategies, and key components of mechanical ventilation.