Volume Control Ventilation

Definition
Volume control ventilation provides a set volume of gas for the inspiratory phase with passive exhalation by the patient. The amount of pressure needed to deliver the breath will vary.

 

 

Tidal volume (TV) is the volume of air that is inhaled in one breath. The typical amount of TV for a child without lung disease is 4-8 ml/kg. This is less if the child has lung disease. Volume is delivered by assist control (AC) – each triggered breath gets a set TV synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) – breaths are synchronized with the patient’s breathing efforts. Breaths above the set rate do not get the set TV. High and low pressure alarms can be set to alert the caretaker to an obstruction or leak in the system.

• Advantage of volume control ventilation is a guaranteed amount of gas goes into the lungs regardless of the compliance of the lungs.
• Disadvantage of volume control ventilation is the increased risk of barotrauma due to increased pressure needed to deliver the preset volume.
• Most frequently used type of ventilation that can be used for all kinds of respiratory failure.