Mechanical Ventilation: Physiology and Practice, Second Edition

Excerpt

Mechanical ventilation is a mainstay of treatment for respiratory failure and the most frequent indication for admission to an intensive care facility. Hence, the theory, function, physiology, application of mechanical ventilation, and relevant guidelines are of fundamental clinical importance and are the focus of Mechanical Ventilation: Physiology and Practice, Second Edition. Dr. John W. Kreit, the single author of all chapters of this book, is a senior clinician-educator and Professor of Medicine and Anesthesiology in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Kreit is a critical care specialist with interests in medical education and the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation. Dr. John A. Kellum, also a critical care specialist, is a member of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is the Editor of the Pittsburgh Critical Care Medicine Series, to which this book belongs. …