Why is NIV important and how did it get to where it is now? Take a peek at our latest blog to find out.

The History of Non-Invasive Ventilation

Non-invasive ventilation, or NIV, has completely evolved over the years to become the great and widely used respiratory therapy it is today. Dating back to the mid 1700s, respiratory assistance has grown in importance and has made a tremendous impact on modern medicine. Why is NIV important and how did it get to where it is now? Continue reading to find out.

The Importance of NIV

Non-invasive ventilation is different from previous forms of respiratory assistance because it’s administered through a mask rather than requiring any incisions. With the mask covering the patient’s nose and mouth, positive airway pressure is given which assists in the breathing process. The benefits of this form of respiratory assistance are seemingly endless. Learn about some of these benefits in this blog!

Where It Started

The beginnings of artificial respiration date back to the 1700s when a kind of bellows device was used. This was primarily created in attempts to help drowning victims. Ever since then, respiratory devices have continued to advance, leading us to what is now non-invasive ventilation.

Advancements Over the Years

  • Early 1800s: With a prototype developed by Dalziel, negative-pressure tank ventilators came into use. This development led to more variety and advancements in negative-pressure ventilators.

  • Early 1900s: The Drinker-Shaw iron lung became the most widely used negative-pressure ventilator of its time.

  • 1930s: These large devices were modified, leading to the Emerson tank ventilator being the standard for ventilation, especially for the treatment of polio victims.

  • Mid 1900s: Tracheostomy tubes quickly replaced the use of negative-pressure ventilators, although this form of respiratory assistance often brought about many complications and recovery issues, bringing about the need for a non-invasive form.

  • 1980s: Patients with sleep apnea started experimenting with positive-pressure ventilation as it started to advance. Once deemed successful, patients with other conditions such as COPD adopted this form of respiratory assistance with great success.

NIV Today

Non-invasive ventilation is the go-to form of respiratory therapy today. Its benefits compared to invasive ventilation are many, including making the patient more comfortable and being easier on the facility providing care. NIV is also flexible and can be easily used in a home care setting, unlike invasive ventilation. To read more about the differences between the two as well as the pros and cons of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, check out this blog.

Respiratory ventilation has made substantial progress over the centuries, all leading to the great creation of non-invasive ventilation. At Trace Medical, we’re here to provide you with the best respiratory products for your patients, including ventilators available for purchase or rent. Contact us to learn more about what we offer!

Ryan Lee