What characterizes Assist-Control Ventilation (AC)?

Assist-Control Ventilation (AC) is characterized by a mode of mechanical ventilation that allows for both patient-initiated breaths and breaths that are delivered automatically by the ventilator after a preset interval of time. This means that when a patient takes a spontaneous breath, the ventilator recognizes the effort and provides the full support of a breath, ensuring adequate ventilation. If the patient does not initiate any breaths within the set time, the ventilator will deliver breaths at predetermined intervals to maintain adequate respiratory function.

The inclusion of both triggered breaths from the patient and timed breaths from the ventilator ensures that the patient receives adequate support regardless of their respiratory efforts, providing flexibility and responsiveness to the patient’s needs. This dual function helps prevent respiratory muscle fatigue while also allowing patients to have some control over their ventilation, which is essential in critical care settings.