What is the baseline pressure in mechanical ventilation?

The baseline pressure in mechanical ventilation refers to the pressure level that exists in the airways before any positive pressure ventilation is initiated by the ventilator. This pressure is essentially the starting point for any respiratory effort, allowing the clinician to understand the changes that occur during ventilatory support.

During mechanical ventilation, understanding the baseline pressure is crucial for setting appropriate modes and parameters. It helps in establishing the patient's normal respiratory mechanics and allows for a clearer assessment of how much pressure is being applied during the inspiratory phase. The baseline pressure serves as a reference against which the pressures during inhalation and exhalation can be compared.

While the average pressure during inspiration, the pressure during exhalation, and factors like patient weight might influence overall ventilation settings and techniques, they do not define the baseline pressure itself. The concept of baseline pressure is specifically tied to the pre-ventilation state of the airways, making it a key factor in the setup and operation of mechanical ventilation.