Neonatal Ventilator Provide Ventilatory Support to Preterm and Critically Ill Infants

A neonatal ventilator is a medical device used to provide mechanical exchange for oxygen and carbon dioxide. These ventilators are designed to facilitate the supply of air in/out of the lungs of patients who are physically unable to breathe. In fact, ventilators used during the treatment of newborns (neonates) are known as neonatal ventilators. Neonatal intensive care ventilators, just like traditional ventilators, come in two types, based on their portability. The first type is a portable unit that is powered electrically and mechanically. The second is a permanent unit that is also powered mechanically and electrically.

Neonatal ventilators offer ventilatory support to preterm (babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed) and critically ill newborns who suffer from respiratory failure and those who generally have high respiratory rates, high airway resistance, small tidal volumes, and low-compliance lungs. Based on gestational age, there are sub-categories of preterm birth, moderate to late preterm (32-37 weeks), very preterm (28-32 weeks), and extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks). Furthermore, neonatal ventilators market are used for moderate to late preterm, very preterm, and extremely preterm infants, also referred to as volume targeted ventilators. The term volume targeted indicates that the ventilator is intended to provide airway obstruction for very low volumes of air, usually below 100 cubic feet, which are required for very preterm resuscitation.

Neonatal intensive care units used for preterm infants have a narrower range of applications with higher unit price points. These are normally designed for premature infants born to very low birth weight. Neonatal ventilators are available in a variety of models and configurations. This is the most diverse market size with over ten thousands units in the production. However, the two main components of this market are pricing and availability. Unit availability is also varied with most being manufactured in bulk quantities and/or required by hospitals.

The indications and procedures of use are based on the specific indications and the underlying pathology of each infant. Management includes early initiation of treatment, use of non-intrusive methods to prevent ventilator-associated morbidity and mortality in uncomplicated cases, and management of allergic reactions & infections in uncomplicated cases. Management of infections and adverse effects on the respiratory and circulatory system requires systematic care including administration of antibiotics, administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, the administration of fluids and electrolytes, and application of topical vasoconstrictors.

A neonatal ventilator is a clinically proven and highly recommended treatment for premature infants with low birth weight or those with inadequate respiratory functioning. The purpose of neonatal intensive care ventilator is to provide maternal and therapeutic support to infant by preventing hypoxemia, sepsis, and pneumonia. The procedure is usually a one-time process and is designed to monitor ventilator responsiveness and facilitate successful reentry into the newborn's environment. The process ensures the safety of both mother and child. It helps prevent ventilator-related morbidity and mortality in low birth weight and early induced babies.

A neonatal ventilator is often used to provide breathing support for preterm or sick infants, as they are not able to breathe well on their own. Thus, they need a ventilator to provide oxygen to the lungs and to remove carbon dioxide from the lungs.