Bronchodilator Therapy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Introduction Basic Concepts of Aerosol Therapy Inertial Impaction Gravitational Sedimentation Diffusion The Nebulizer The Metered Dose Inhaler Differences during Mechanical Ventilation The Ventilator-Patient Interface Breath Configurations The Airway The Environment The Assessment Evaluation of Lower Respiratory Tract Aerosol Delivery with Bench Models of Mechanical Ventilation Aerosol-Generating Devices Nebulizers Position and Method of Connecting the Aerosol Generator in the Ventilator Circuit Metered Dose Inhalers Aerosol Particle Size Characteristics of the Ventilator Circuit Endotracheal Tube Size Heating and Humidification Density of the Inhaled Gas Ventilator Mode and Settings Methods to Assess Lower Respiratory Tract Aerosol Deposition In Vivo Radionuclide Studies Estimation of Plasma Levels Technique of Aerosol Administration Care of Spacers and Nebulizers Efficacy of Bronchodilator Administration during Mechanical Ventilation Bronchodilator Efficacy Bronchodilator Dose Drug Toxicity Choice of Aerosol-Generating Device—Metered Dose Inhalers versus Nebulizers Conclusion [Respir Care 1999;44(1):53–69]