What is the primary function of pressure support ventilation?

The primary function of pressure support ventilation is to augment each breath by a preset amount of pressure. In this mode of mechanical ventilation, the ventilator assists the patient with each spontaneous breath by delivering a specified level of pressure, reducing the effort required for inspiration. This support helps patients who can initiate breaths but may not have the strength or ability to fully inflate their lungs on their own. It enhances patient comfort and allows for more effective ventilation without taking over all the respiratory effort, fostering a supportive breathing environment that can facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation.

In contrast, fully controlling the patient’s breathing, providing continuous positive airway pressure, or regulating oxygen concentration does not align with the core purpose of pressure support ventilation, which is specifically designed to assist with spontaneous breathing efforts.