Mechanical Ventilation for the Anesthetized Patient: Theory, Practical Applications, and Troubleshooting

Open to All Audiences

The purpose of this dry lab and lecture is to give attendees an understanding of the mechanics behind mechanical ventilation, as well as how to a ventilator as a tool for various anesthetic situations (running from “normal” to critical). This lab is designed for mechanical ventilation during anesthesia and we will utilize several models of anesthesia ventilators. While it is not a lab designed for long-term critical care ventilation, it does have applications for short-term ventilation in the critical care ward. Participants will have the opportunity to use and troubleshoot several common types of anesthesia monitors.The lab is broken into 3 parts:

1. Comprehensive discussion on the parts works of a ventilator as well as reasons for ventilator usage.
2. Hands-on set-up, usage, and trouble-shooting on several ventilator types. Question and answer sessions regarding potential issues with ventilator set up.
3. Guiding ventilation changes based on intraoperative arterial blood gas information, as well as changing settings based on changes on an end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor. Case discussions for healthy to critical patients including orthopedic, neurologic, respiratory, and abdominal cases. In-depth discussion and breakdown of how to adjust ventilator settings based on patient condition/disease etiology; Coverage of patient-based ventilator troubleshooting.
   

Learning objectives for this workshop:

1. Understanding of anatomy of a ventilator.
   2. Understanding of how to set up a ventilator, including for adult, pediatric, and non-rebreathing circuits.
   3. Understanding of troubleshooting ventilators and basic settings, pressure checking, etc.