REBEL Core Cast 142.0–Ventilators Part 2: Simplifying Mechanical Ventilation – Most Common Ventilator Modes

🗝️ Key Points

• 💨 Start with Breath Types: Controlled, assisted, and supported breaths are the foundation of all modes.
• 🛌 Comfort Over “Best Mode”: No mode improves mortality — focus on patient synchrony and comfort.
• ✅ Know the Big 5 Modes: AC: All controlled or assisted (volume or pressure). PS: Fully spontaneous, great for SBTs. PRVC: Pressure-delivered, volume-targeted hybrid. SIMV: Mixed mode, less favored in adults. VS: Spontaneous mode with adaptive pressure.
• ⚠️ Watch for Pitfalls: PRVC may under-ventilate in agitation. SIMV often causes dyssynchrony.
• 🎯 Bottom Line: Master mode mechanics and match the vent to the patient — not the other way around.

📝 Introduction

Mechanical ventilation can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a sea of ventilator modes and unfamiliar terminology. In Part 2 of the series, we go beyond breath types and delivery mechanics to explore the most used modes in the ICU. We will break down each one; explaining how it works, when to use it, and why the goal isn’t the “best mode” but the most comfortable one for the patient.