[Non-invasive ventilation in the Intensive Care Units. Part I: background and interphase].

INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive ventilation is a respiratory support method that has gained ground in the management of patients with acute respiratory failure. Currently, it has become a first line instrument in the treatment of respiratory failure of the critical patient. Scientific evidence supports its use in patients with acute lung edema, acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, immunosuppressed patients and patients with atelectasis. The objectives of this review are 1, introduce the reader to the non-invasive ventilation; 2, inform on the basics of its use in critical patients; and 3, the management of the interphase in acute situations. To do so, the bibliography available on it in databases (Medline and Cochrane) and published textbooks were used.

CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the technique require careful dedication of the health care personnel, with adequate knowledge about the technology involved in addition to the collaboration of the patients to make it successful.