APRV
Also written as: APRV — Airway Pressure Release Ventilation
Airway pressure release ventilation; a pressure-controlled mode allowing spontaneous breathing at two different pressure levels.
Full Definition
Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is an inverse-ratio, pressure-controlled ventilation mode that maintains a high continuous positive airway pressure with brief, intermittent releases to a lower pressure level. Patients can breathe spontaneously at both pressure levels, making it useful for severe ARDS and other forms of acute lung injury. The high pressure phase (P-high) maintains alveolar recruitment and oxygenation, while the brief release phase (P-low) allows for ventilation and CO2 elimination. APRV can reduce ventilator-induced lung injury while preserving spontaneous breathing, but requires careful monitoring of hemodynamics and ventilation adequacy.
Usage
Usage note: Not to be confused with BiPAP, which is used for different indications.
In Context
- "APRV was initiated with P-high of 28 cmH2O and T-high of 5.5 seconds for this severe ARDS patient." — Ventilator mode transition note
- "The patient maintained spontaneous breathing efforts throughout APRV therapy." — Respiratory therapy assessment