Article Text
Abstract
Background and aims Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) is an assist mode of mechanical ventilation that delivers an inspiratory pressure proportional to the electrical activity of the diaphragm. To date, no study has focused on its haemodynamic impact. The aim was to study haemodynamic effects of NAVA compared with conventional ventilation (CV).
Methods Prospective randomised cross-over study was conducted in a paediatric intensive care unit between June 2012 and March 2013. After a baseline period, infant received CV and NAVA during two consecutive periods of 30 min in a randomised order. During the last 10 min of each period, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters (including cardiac index assessed by transoesophageal Doppler ultrasonography) were collected.
Results Six infants (mean age 7.8 ± 4.1 months, mean weight 6.7 ± 1.2 kg) after cardiac surgery were enrolled. Results are expressed as percent variation in NAVA versus CV.
Conclusions After paediatric cardiac surgery, NAVA provides efficient ventilation with lower inspiratory pressures than CV, and improves systolic blood pressure.