Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV). Beneficial or not?

Ventilators functions and features have evolved with the advancement of technology along with the addition of microprocessors. It is important to understand and examine the benefits and risks associated with these advanced automated modes. Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) is a mode that is unique to the Hamilton Medical ventilators, thereby limiting the number of clinicians who have experience with using this mode. ASV can make changes to respiratory rate and tidal volume and adjusting the driving pressure in the absence of a professional. ASV changes ventilator strategies when it detects changes to a patient’s lung dynamics. The scope of ASV mode is not universally understood. Respiratory therapists may feel their position would be threatened with the use of smart automated modes. This paper will aim to review the literature on the ASV mode of ventilation. The literature review will address the following research questions to broaden the understanding of the risks and benefits of the ASV mode. 1) Is the ASV mode effective for weaning patients? 2) Is ASV a safe mode of ventilation for patients with COPD and ARDS? 3) Is ASV a safe mode of ventilation with changes in lung dynamics? 4) Does ASV impact the bedside respiratory therapist? Conclusions: ASV appears to be at least effective or even more superior to other modes especially during weaning off mechanical ventilation, and in other forms of respiratory failure. More studies in different clinical conditions and head-to-head with other modes. Keywords: ASV, COPD, ARDS, Weaning