Complications during non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Interface-specific complications of helmet (arm oedema and deep-vein thrombosis) and other interfaces

The strengths and the weaknesses of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) are all located at the same point: the patient-ventilator interface. On the one hand, the interface avoids the need for intubation and all the mechanical or infective complications of invasive ventilation. On the other hand, NIV interfaces cause many problems and risks of complications. Interface-related complications can be the main reason for NIV failure, by making patients unable to endure the process. The main NIV interface complications reported in scientific literature are discomfort, pressure ulcers on the face, skin rashes, claustrophobia, noise, CO2 re-breathing, and dyssynchrony with ventilators.