Invasive ventilation

During invasive ventilation, a small tube (also known as an endotracheal tube, ETT) is inserted into the windpipe (“trachea”) via the nose or mouth in order to ventilate the newborn with a severe gas exchange disorder. As soon as the clinical condition improves, the patient is switched to “non-invasive” forms of ventilation.

With invasive ventilation, a distinction is made between conventional ventilation and high-frequency oscillation ventilation.

Conventional ventilation

Conventional artificial respiration is an important and life-saving therapy that can be associated with side effects. For this reason, ventilation therapy is used in a targeted manner and for as short a time as possible. Strategies that are primarily intended to protect the lungs, but also other organs, from short- and long-term side effects are referred to as “lung-protective” or “lung-sparing”.

High-frequency oscillation ventilation

High-frequency oscillation ventilation is an invasive form of ventilation. This form of ventilation is also referred to as “unconventional”, as very small “oscillating” tidal volumes are administered compared to other invasive forms of ventilation. The treatment team decides when this therapy is indicated based on the underlying disease and its progression.

Nitric oxide (NO)

For invasively ventilated children with a relevant oxygen deficiency, nitric oxide (NO) can be used as a medical gas in special cases. The regulated application takes place via a ventilator. The vasodilatory properties of NO can reduce pulmonary vascular resistance.

This improves blood flow to the pulmonary vessels and relieves the heart, which can pump blood into the lungs against less vascular resistance. In many cases, oxygen saturation can be increased thanks to NO.