Patient ventilator asynchrony (PVA) is a prevalent phenomenon seen in almost 25% of our intensive care unit patients. PVA can be trigger asynchrony, flow asynchrony, cycle asynchrony or mode asynchrony. Ineffective triggering is the most commonly occurring asynchrony. The best way to identify PVA is via the ventilator graphics. Corrective steps and manipulating the ventilator on the conventional mode to suit the patient's needs can help reduce the incidence of PVA. Recent advances have given rise to newer modes of ventilation such as Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist and Proportional Assist Ventilation with the goal of reducing the frequency of PVA. Many new methods to reduce asynchronies are being studied; however additional large scale trials are needed to come to conclusive results. This article is an attempt to simplify the various asynchronies for better application to all healthcare professionals.
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