What is the function of an oxygen blender in mechanical ventilation?

An oxygen blender plays a crucial role in mechanical ventilation by accurately blending air and oxygen to deliver a specific fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). This is vital for patient care because maintaining the correct FiO2 ensures that the patient receives an appropriate concentration of oxygen tailored to their individual respiratory needs. By adjusting the proportions of air and oxygen, healthcare providers can create a precise mixture that helps improve oxygenation in patients who may have respiratory distress or other conditions affecting their ability to receive adequate oxygen.

In addition to this primary function, other devices in the ventilation setup may have different roles. For instance, humidifiers are responsible for adding moisture to the gas mixture to prevent airway irritation, while monitoring devices assess the patient's oxygen saturation levels. Backup oxygen supply systems ensure that there is available oxygen should the primary source fail, but they do not manipulate the precise FiO2 delivered to the patient. Thus, the oxygen blender is specifically designed for the purpose of providing an accurate mix of gases, which is essential in mechanical ventilation practice.