What is a key disadvantage of Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV)?

Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) indeed has a significant concern regarding "stacked breaths," which can lead to barotrauma. In IMV, the ventilator provides breaths at set intervals but allows the patient to trigger additional breaths in between those mandatory breaths. If the patient initiates a breath just before a mandatory breath is delivered, it can result in multiple breaths occurring in a short period, known as stacked breaths. This stacking can increase intrathoracic pressure as the ventilator delivers air while the patient is also trying to inhale, potentially compromising lung compliance and leading to overdistension. This overdistension can result in barotrauma, which is damage to lung tissue caused by increased pressure.

This aspect of IMV emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and adjustment of ventilatory settings to avoid complications, particularly in delicate or critically ill patients. Understanding this risk helps caregivers anticipate potential complications and manage ventilation strategies effectively.