Each of these connections to the patient may have a balloon cuff associated with it to provide a seal - either inside the trachea for the tracheal tubes or around the mouth and nose for the masks. It is sealed to the body where the body extends outside the chamber. Although it is not generally necessary, the patient may have an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube in place. Power Sources . Positive Pressure Ventilators are typically powered by electricity or compressed gas.
Electricity is used to run compressors of various types.
These provide compressed air both for motive power as well as air for breathing. More commonly, however, the power to expand the lungs is supplied by compressed gas from tanks, or from wall outlets in the hospital. The ventilator is generally connected to separate sources of compressed air and compressed oxygen. This permits the delivery of a range of oxygen concentrations to support the needs of sick patients. Because compressed gas has all moisture removed, the gas delivered to the patient must be warmed and humidified in order to avoid drying out the lung tissue.