Synchronized mechanical ventilation using electrical activity of the diaphragm in neonates.

The electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) is measured by a specialized nasogastric/orogastric tube positioned in the esophagus at the level of the crural diaphragm. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) uses the Edi signal as a neural trigger and intrabreath controller to synchronize mechanical ventilatory breaths with the patient's respiratory drive and to proportionally support the patient's respiratory efforts on a breath-by-breath basis. NAVA improves patient-ventilator interaction and synchrony even in the presence of large air leaks, and might therefore be an optimal option for noninvasive ventilation in neonates.