Emerging modes for non-invasive ventilation

A variety of modes can be used to deliver non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Pressure support ventilation (PSV) is the most commonly used mode for NIV. New features to improve PSV application have been recently proposed, such as the algorithms for leak compensation, and adjustment of cycling-off threshold and rate of pressurization. In the past few years, some new modes have been introduced into clinical practice, which can also be used for NIV. Proportional assist ventilation (PAV) and neurally adjusted ventilatory assistance (NAVA) aim to improve patient–ventilator interaction by matching the ventilator support with the neural output of the respiratory centres. Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) aims to guarantee an adequate tidal volume regardless of clinical variations over time.