US Medical Term · emergency
Mechanical Ventilator
Ventilador mecánico
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Mechanical Ventilator |
| Spanish (Español) | Ventilador mecánico |
| Chinese (中文) | 機械呼吸器 |
| Korean (한국어) | 기계 환기기 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Máy thở cơ học |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Mekanikal na bentilador |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ventilador mecânico |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เครื่องช่วยหายใจ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 人工呼吸器 |
What it means
A mechanical ventilator is a machine that assists or replaces a patient's breathing by pushing air (with or without added oxygen) into the lungs through an endotracheal tube or a mask. It is used when a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own due to respiratory failure, severe illness, surgery, or injury. The ventilator is programmed by respiratory therapists and physicians to match the patient's needs. Patients on ventilators in the ICU are closely monitored. Being on a ventilator is serious and often indicates critical illness. The goal is usually to wean the patient off the machine as soon as safely possible.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My grandmother is on a mechanical ventilator in the ICU.
Mi abuela está conectada a un ventilador mecánico en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.
When will the doctors try to take him off the ventilator?
¿Cuándo intentarán los médicos quitarle el ventilador?
Can she hear us even though she is on a mechanical ventilator?
¿Puede escucharnos aunque esté conectada al ventilador mecánico?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026