Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) Mode

Introduction to SIMV

• The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine recommends SIMV as an effective ventilation mode that prevents central apneas during sleep due to the presence of a backup respiratory rate, making it preferable to pressure support ventilation (PSV) for patients at risk of hypoventilation 1, 2

Characteristics of SIMV Mode

• SIMV provides a set number of mandatory breaths per minute in the absence of patient respiratory effort, while allowing the patient to initiate additional spontaneous breaths between mandatory breaths 3, 4
• The American Thoracic Society notes that SIMV can be either volume-controlled (set tidal volume) or pressure-controlled (set inspiratory pressure) 3, 4

Comparison with Other Ventilation Modes

• Compared to pressure support ventilation (PSV), SIMV provides better sleep quality and prevents central apneas due to the presence of a backup respiratory rate 1, 2
• The Assist-Control (ACV) mode also prevents central apneas during sleep and may provide better sleep quality compared to PSV 1, 5