Final answer:
The LTV 1200 ventilator cycles between IPAP and EPAP, assisting breathing by delivering Pressure Supported breaths upon patient trigger. This medically-oriented process supports pulmonary ventilation by maintaining appropriate intra-alveolar pressure during inspiration and expiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mode described on the LTV 1200 ventilator involves cycling between Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) and Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP). This mode of ventilation is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea. Pressure Supported breath is a feature where the device delivers additional air pressure during a patient-triggered breath, making it easier for the patient to inhale. In healthy breathing, the intra-alveolar pressure fluctuates during the respiratory cycle but eventually equalizes with the atmospheric pressure, typically at 760 mm Hg. However, forced breathing mechanisms like CPAP and EPAP help maintain airway patency by preventing airway collapse.
Pulmonary ventilation includes inspiration and expiration, driven by changes in intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures. During inspiration, air flows into the lungs as the intra-alveolar pressure is lowered, and during expiration, it flows out as this pressure increases. When using mechanical ventilation such as the LTV 1200, the equipment assists or controls this pressure exchange to maintain proper gas exchange in the patient's alveoli.