PCV mode
The PCV (pressure-controlled ventilation) mode delivers pressure-controlled
breaths, either triggered by the ventilator (Timed) or the patient (Spont). The
control settings active in the PCV mode are shown in Figure 4-8. The IPAP
setting defines the applied inspiratory pressure for all breaths. If the patient
fails to trigger a breath through Auto-Trak within the interval determined by the
rate setting, the ventilator triggers a mandatory breath. The I-Time setting is
the cycle criterion for all breaths. Figure 4-9 shows a PCV mode pressure
waveform.
Pressure
IPAP
EPAP
Patient-triggered
(Spont) breath
Figure 4-9: PCV pressure waveform
Figure 4-8: PCV controls
I-Time
Machine-triggered
(Timed) breath
1/Rate
Principles of operation
Rise
Time
4-9