High frequency(frequency of “puffs” not sound) oscillating ventilator...we use them from time to time in our ICU. it keeps the sacks open and compensates if the diaphragm is stiff or not working well, which in your wife’s case might have been the issue until the swelling and inflammation from the pancreatitis subsided. If diaphragmatic function is impaired a normal ventilator would have difficulties using it’s “pull release” function to move air as the diapragm would be still or blocked due to abdominal ascites and swelling related to the pancreatitis. So the oscillating vent was used; fortunately for your wife it saved her. I trust she is doing okay today?
Yeah she recovered. Based on the severity she had a 7% chance of survival, her biggest danger after the lungs was sepsis but that was avoided. Thanks.