Phase Variable Taxonomy
When talking about different modes of ventilation, it is important to be speaking the same language as everyone else. For this purpose, it can be helpful to use a classification system. The one I find to be the most useful in breaking down how ventilator modes work is phase variable taxonomy. It may sound intimidating, but at it’s most fundamental, it is just breaking down the ventilator modes into 3 phases. The trigger phase (what starts the breath), the limit phase (what constrains or limits inspiration without ending it), and the cycle phase (what ends inspiration and begins exhalation). I’ve broken this down into a one page reference guide, as well as several more focused slides to help solidify this concept. Hope this helps!
