Early trigger diagnosis by diaphragmatic ultrasound

Victor Perez, Jamille Pasco

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation is one of the most widespread and characteristic procedures in intensive care units (ICU). Proper understanding of ventilator waveforms is very helpful in achieving protective ventilation for both the lung and the diaphragm, and in many cases improving patient-ventilator interaction.

Ultrasound has taken on great importance in recent years in ICU because it is accessible and non-invasive. Sonographic evaluation of the diaphragm is helpful in assessing its function and can also be useful in detecting and correcting possible asynchronies.

Early trigger is a particular kind of asynchrony that occurs when a ventilator insufflation precedes the patient trigger effort.

Keywords: ventilator waveforms, ultrasound, diaphragm, asynchrony, early trigger.

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