mechanical ventilator
noun
plural mechanical ventilators
: a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air or oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : an automated ventilator
Note: Modern, computerized, mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.
Examples of mechanical ventilator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Breathing Easier Critically ill patients who need help breathing are put on mechanical ventilators (1).
—
Behnood Gholami, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2018
At the time of its invention, the iron lung was widely regarded as a cutting-edge mechanical ventilator.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Treatment for severe cases may require mechanical ventilators to help with breathing.
—TIME, 11 June 2024
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices in 2021.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
About 60% of the nearly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries annually will need help breathing from a mechanical ventilator, health experts say.
—Julie Washington, cleveland, 25 July 2023
In normal times, the United States’ hospitals have little in the way of reserves and therefore little to no surge capacity for emergency situations: not enough beds, not enough emergency equipment such as mechanical ventilators, not enough N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
—Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
Five kids had to be put on mechanical ventilators, and two died.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 1 July 2023
The operating room will be equipped with standard surgical equipment, including an anesthesia machine, surgical table, an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor your heart rate, and a mechanical ventilator to deliver supplemental oxygen if needed.
—Stuart Hershman, Verywell Health, 27 June 2023
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Behnood Gholami, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2018
At the time of its invention, the iron lung was widely regarded as a cutting-edge mechanical ventilator.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Treatment for severe cases may require mechanical ventilators to help with breathing.
—TIME, 11 June 2024
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices in 2021.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
About 60% of the nearly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries annually will need help breathing from a mechanical ventilator, health experts say.
—Julie Washington, cleveland, 25 July 2023
In normal times, the United States’ hospitals have little in the way of reserves and therefore little to no surge capacity for emergency situations: not enough beds, not enough emergency equipment such as mechanical ventilators, not enough N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
—Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
Five kids had to be put on mechanical ventilators, and two died.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 1 July 2023
The operating room will be equipped with standard surgical equipment, including an anesthesia machine, surgical table, an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor your heart rate, and a mechanical ventilator to deliver supplemental oxygen if needed.
—Stuart Hershman, Verywell Health, 27 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Mechanical ventilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical%20ventilator. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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