Which ventilation method maintains a set airway pressure during inspiration?

Pressure control ventilation (PCV) is a method of mechanical ventilation where a preset airway pressure is maintained during the inspiratory phase. In this mode, the ventilator delivers a set pressure level regardless of the volume of air that is delivered to the patient. This is particularly useful for patients with compromised lung compliance or in situations where it is essential to limit airway pressures to avoid barotrauma.

In PCV, once the set pressure is reached, the ventilator ceases to deliver air, regardless of the volume of air that may have been delivered at that pressure. This allows for better control over ventilation in patients who may experience high peak inspiratory pressures or have conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or other restrictive lung diseases.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for managing patients effectively, as it permits clinicians to tailor the ventilation strategy according to the patient's specific respiratory needs while minimizing the risk of ventilator-associated lung injury.