continuous positive airway pressure

continuous positive airway pressure

n.

Abbr. CPAP A technique of respiratory therapy for individuals breathing with or without mechanical assistance in which airway pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure throughout the respiratory cycle by pressurization of the ventilatory circuit.

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A ventilation device that blows a gentle stream of air into the nose during sleep to keep the airway open.

Mentioned in: Sleep Apnea, Snoring

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continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP),

a method of noninvasive or invasive ventilation assisted by a flow of air delivered at a constant pressure throughout the respiratory cycle. It is performed for patients who can initiate their own respirations but who are not able to maintain adequate arterial oxygen levels without assistance. CPAP may be given through a ventilator and endotracheal tube, through a nasal cannula, or into a hood over the patient's head. Respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn and sleep apnea are often treated with CPAP. Also called constant positive airway pressure, continuous positive pressure breathing. Compare positive end-expiratory pressure.

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continuous positive airway pressure

a method of medical gas administration in which gas is delivered to the patient at positive pressure in order to hold open alveoli that would normally close at the end of expiration and thereby increase oxygenation, preventing atelectasis, and reduce the work of breathing; abbreviated CPAP. It is used with patients who are breathing spontaneously. When the same principle is used in mechanical ventilation, it is called positive end-expiratory pressure.

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continuous positive airway pressure

Critical care A type of artificial ventilation, in which the lung pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure during the entire respiratory cycle. See PEEP.