Asistencia ventilatoria de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en urgencias. Ventilación mecánica no invasiva y alto flujo nasal

Abstract

Acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is a common reason for consultation in emergency departments (ED). When conventional treatment is not enough for patients to improve, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula play a fundamental role. Although they were initially exclusively used in critical care units, they have begun to be used in other units in recent years, including hospital EDs. The literature has shown that early use in EDs decreases mortality, improves survival, and decreases the risk of orotracheal intubation and patients’ overall length of stay. Therefore, knowledge of the technique, adequate patient selection, and training for the staff who care for these patients in the hospital emergency department are important.