What is the volume-assured pressure support mode of mechanical ventilation?
Volume-assured pressure support mode also called dual control within a breath mode of ventilation is a newer mode that combines pressure support ventilation (PSV) with conventional volume-assisted cycles (VAV). This mode allows easy shifting between the pressure control mode and volume control modes of ventilation and this shifting takes place within a single breath. This mode ensures that a fixed tidal volume is being delivered to the patient. Volume-assured pressure support mode can be effectively used in Stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, Kyphoscoliosis and Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. The use was associated with better outcomes.