What ventilator mode is often used for patients with respiratory failure but who can still initiate breaths?

The Assist-Control (A/C) mode is particularly suited for patients with respiratory failure who can still initiate their own breaths. This mode allows the ventilator to deliver a set tidal volume for each breath, whether the breath is initiated by the patient or triggered by the ventilator itself. This dual function is beneficial because it provides both support and autonomy, ensuring that the patient receives adequate ventilation while also allowing them to take extra breaths as needed.

In this mode, if the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator responds by delivering the preset volume, effectively providing assistance. This is especially critical in cases of respiratory failure, where patients may have difficulty maintaining adequate ventilation due to reduced respiratory drive or fatigue. Therefore, A/C mode is flexible, accommodating the patient's efforts while ensuring they receive sufficient support.

Other modes, while relevant in different contexts, do not provide the same level of synergy between patient effort and mechanical support. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mode offers pressure support without full assistance for tidal volume, which may not be sufficient for patients in significant respiratory distress. Pressure Support (PS) mode provides assistance for each breath that the patient starts but does not guarantee a minimum ventilation rate, making it less effective for patients who are critically ill. Volume