Ventilation

Almost all Dräger ventilation devices come with the option of non-invasive ventilation. This is because, after treatment success, cost is an important criterion for evaluating a therapy. In this case, where medically advisable, non-invasive ventilation is preferable to invasive ventilation - for example, costs for a pneumonia patient using non-invasive ventilation in Europe are half of those for intubated patients¹.

Factors contributing towards the cost benefits of non-invasive ventilation are primarily the considerably shorter weaning phase from the ventilation device, and the associated shorter stay for patients on the intensive care ward and in the hospital⁶. On average, patients can leave the clinic three days earlier than a patient using invasive ventilation⁵. Furthermore, considerably fewer complications arise in the case of non-invasive ventilation⁹.

From a patient point of view, and against the background of the patient's well-being, non-invasive ventilation is regularly preferred to invasive ventilation, where this is medically acceptable. Rather than in a sedated condition and through a tube, non-invasive ventilation involves the patient breathing via a mask.

This form of therapy allows him/her to interact with his environment and even breathe without a mask through various phases⁸. This then allows him/her, for example, to communicate briefly regarding his condition with the treating doctor. He/she is also able - if somewhat restricted - to talk to visitors or eat and drink, where possible.

In addition, pain is avoided during non-invasive ventilation, whilst at the same time reducing the risk of a hospital-acquired infection, as it is not necessary to insert a device into the body. For the patient, this means a substantial improvement in the quality of life during the treatment - however, it is also relevant for hospitals and treating doctors, as hospital-acquired infections prolong stays in hospital and thus result in considerable follow-up costs².

With its products for non-invasive applications, Dräger is setting the benchmark for the market, and offering non-invasive ventilation in all kinds of ventilation applications. Furthermore, Dräger's NovaStar is a full-face mask for ventilation, and features a flexible mask that can be adjusted to fit the patient's face.