The ventilator (or respirator) is a machine used to administer a gas mixture adapted to the patient’s needs, by controlling volume and frequency. This maintains a stable and sufficient oxygen content in the patient’s blood, and removes carbon dioxide. The ventilator assists respiratory function in the event of pulmonary and/or cardiac failure, but is also used when the patient is comatose, to protect the patient’s lungs from infection. The patient is connected to the ventilator via an intubation tube placed in the trachea. This tube is always inserted under anaesthetic.
