mechanical ventilation

noun

: artificial respiration using a mechanical ventilator to support the delivery of oxygen to the lungs when breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate

Examples of mechanical ventilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was admitted to the intensive care unit and put on mechanical ventilation. ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025 Goodwin said the act does not explicitly state that a deceased pregnant patient must be kept tethered to mechanical ventilation and there is no legislative history suggesting this was the intent of legislators who wrote the law. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 June 2025 In its latest medical update, released Saturday, the Vatican said Francis was gradually improving and was using less mechanical ventilation at night to help with breathing. Joshua McElwee, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025 Hospital treatments may include additional medications, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation (breathing support from a machine).1617 When To Call a Healthcare Provider Most colds and mild cases of COVID don't need medical treatment. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 22 May 2025 Hospital San José was dedicated to COVID-19, caring for more than 3,000 patients, 40 percent of whom required mechanical ventilation; the in-hospital mortality of all comers was 10.5 percent—results comparable to the best and most equipped hospitals worldwide. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Patients are given supportive treatment with fluids and oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and blood pressure support for sepsis. Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The pope suffered a number of respiratory complications, such as inhaling some vomit that led to aspiration and required noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 That way, first responders arrive sooner and can provide mechanical ventilation, if needed. C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanical ventilation was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanical ventilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical%20ventilation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

mechanical ventilation

noun
: artificial respiration of the lungs using a mechanical ventilator to support the delivery of oxygen to the lungs when breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate
the patient was sufficiently obtunded to require intubation and mechanical ventilationSusan M. Pond et al.
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