ETYM Cf. French ventilateur, Latin ventilator a winnower.
A device that introduces fresh air or expels foul air.
Machine that assists or maintains breathing when a patient is unable to breathe normally due to illness or injury. There are two modes of ventilation in medical use: positive pressure and negative pressure. The more widely used is the positive pressure ventilator, sometimes popularly known as a “life-support machine”. With this, air is blown through an endotracheal tube down the back of the throat to inflate the lungs; the air is exhaled when the pressure from the ventilator is released. Usually this mode of ventilation is only needed for a short time.
The iron lung is an example of a negative pressure ventilator.
The patient lies encased in it, with only the head exposed. A vacuum is created inside the chamber, causing the chest wall to expand and drawing air into the lungs; as the vacuum is released the chest wall subsides, expelling air from the lungs. This mode of assisted ventilation is suitable for people with chronic breathing difficulties, including some polio victims.
Appareil qui aère un espace, un mécanisme.
1. Appareil, le plus souvent électrique, dont les pales tournantes mettent l'air en mouvement et créent une sensation de fraîcheur.
2. Même type d'appareil utilisé pour brasser, renouveler, l'air d'un local ou pour refroidir le radiateur d'une voiture.