What is the Difference Between CMV and SIMV?

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CMV (Continuous Mandatory Ventilation) and SIMV (Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) are two different types of mechanical ventilation used in intensive care settings. The key difference between them lies in the patient's ability to trigger additional breaths and the types of breaths used in each mode.

In CMV, each breath is either assisted or controlled by the ventilator, while in SIMV, the ventilator guarantees a certain number of breaths, with the remaining breaths initiated and partially controlled by the patient. In other words, CMV does not allow the patient to trigger additional spontaneous breaths, whereas SIMV does.

Both CMV and SIMV are types of volume-controlled mechanical ventilation, which means that the tidal volume (the amount of air delivered with each breath) is set by the clinician. However, in SIMV, different breath types are always used, whereas in CMV, spontaneous and mandatory breaths are the same.

In summary, the main differences between CMV and SIMV are:

  • CMV does not allow the patient to trigger additional spontaneous breaths, while SIMV does.
  • In CMV, each breath is either assisted or controlled by the ventilator, while in SIMV, the ventilator guarantees a certain number of breaths, with the remaining breaths initiated and partially controlled by the patient.
  • Different breath types are always used in SIMV, while CMV uses the same breath type for both spontaneous and mandatory breaths.

Comparative Table: CMV vs SIMV

The key difference between CMV and SIMV is that CMV is a type of mechanical ventilation in which each breath is either assisted or controlled, while SIMV is a type of mechanical ventilation that guarantees a certain number of breaths with the remaining breaths initiated and partially controlled by the patient. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature CMV (Continuous Mandatory Ventilation) SIMV (Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation)
Triggering Patient can trigger a breath between the normal mandatory set respiratory rate Patient's breaths are initiated and partially controlled by the patient
Assistance Full support from the ventilator for each breath Guarantees a certain number of breaths, with remaining breaths initiated by the patient
Use Suitable for patients who cannot trigger their own breaths Suitable for patients who can initiate their own breaths but need assistance from the ventilator
Breath Type Volume-controlled Volume-controlled

Both CMV and SIMV are types of volume-controlled mechanical ventilation, which help critical patients breathe when they cannot do so on their own.