For a long time, “invasive ventilation” via a small tube in the windpipe was the gold standard in the care of very small premature babies with breathing problems after birth. Although invasive ventilation can save lives, it is considered an important risk factor for the development of chronic lung disease, known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, in premature babies.
In order to avoid such adverse consequences, gentler, non-invasive ventilation strategies have been introduced in neonatology. In contrast to invasive ventilation , the child’s own breathing is supported non-invasively, i.e. via a small mask on the nose or small nasal cannulas.
All common, non-invasive ventilation strategies are used in our clinic.
CPAP - Continuous positive airway pressure
CPAP is the preferred method of non-invasive respiratory support both in the delivery room and in the neonatal intensive care unit.
In CPAP therapy, a mixture of heated and humidified air is administered to the newborn via a small mask on the nose or via small nasal cannulas. The continuous positive airway pressure generated in this way supports the child’s own breathing by keeping both the upper airways and the lungs open throughout the entire breathing cycle and reducing the child’s breathing effort.
NIPPV - Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is a useful method to enhance the positive effects of CPAP respiratory support in newborn and premature infants.
In addition to continuous airway pressure (see CPAP), pressure-controlled breaths are delivered to the newborn via a mask or nasal cannula. Thanks to the use of the latest generation of devices, these can be synchronized with the child’s own breathing, i.e. adapted to it, which is more effective and more comfortable for the child.
High-Flow - High-Flow Nasal Cannula
In neonatology, high-flow therapy describes the supply of heated and humidified breathing gas via a special soft nasal cannula. This breathing gas can be enriched with oxygen. Similar to the CPAP breathing aid, this creates a continuous positive airway pressure and supports the child’s own breathing.
High-flow is a good and safe alternative, especially for children who are stable on CPAP (i.e. require little pressure and little additional oxygen). In contrast to the CPAP mask, the high-flow nasal cannula covers less of the child’s face, which increases comfort for the child and simplifies handling for parents and caregivers.