Adjusted Ventilation Aid: A Case Study

While a patient is using mechanical ventilation, every breath is begun by the use of a trigger. Most ventilator modes use a set flow, pressure or time as the trigger. However, in the case of NAVA ventilation the trigger is the electrical signal from the brain to the phrenic nerve. The EdiCatheter transmits this signal and causes the diaphragm to elevate causing negative pressure to inspire flow from the ventilator. The patient’s peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) will vary based on the strength and amount of electrical activity generated by the diaphragm. If the diaphragm gives off more electrical activity then the PIP will be higher, while less electrical activity will generate a lower PIP. (Kylie KC-Children’s) Patients will then cycle their breath when the Edi or electrical signal decreases below 40-70% of the peak value, therefore letting the diaphragm relax causing exhalation. (Servo I) Due to the way that NAVA ventilation works the patient is able to determine their own rate, inspiratory and expiratory time, as well as peak inspiratory pressures all on their own. …show more content…
Neonatal Pediatric Respiratory Therapist at Mercy Children’s – Kansas City, Kylie _____ said that “NAVA works really well, especially for neonates and pediatrics. This is because they don’t have enough flow to trigger like they should. (Kylie KC – Children’s) The reason or this benefit is because patients that are on NAVA are not required to generate a flow, just an electrical impulse, which lets the patient’s diaphragm and respiratory muscles work while the medical team deals with the underlying disease or