What advantage does PSV provide while the patient is ventilated?

The advantage of Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) lies in its ability to allow patients to have control over their breathing patterns, specifically inspiratory time and minute volume. During PSV, when a patient initiates a breath, the ventilator detects the effort and provides a preset level of pressure to assist with that breath. This mode is particularly beneficial for patients who are able to breathe spontaneously but may require some assistance to reduce the work of breathing.

With PSV, the patient decides how deep and how fast to breathe, which can lead to a more comfortable and natural ventilation experience. This flexibility is important as it allows the patient's ventilatory needs to be met based on their unique respiratory requirements, promoting better synchrony between the ventilator and the patient.

This mode does not inherently increase the work of breathing; rather, it reduces it for those who may be struggling with the effort. Additionally, while PSV can aid patients in reducing their reliance on additional oxygen, it does not eliminate the need for oxygen supplementation, especially in patients with significant hypoxemia. Constant intrapulmonary pressure is also not a characteristic feature of PSV since the pressure support varies based on the patient's inspiratory effort. Thus, the ability to control key aspects of their breathing makes PSV a