Abstract

POZUELO-REINA, Ángel A  and  REDONDO-CALVO, Francisco J. Avances en la historia de la VMNI: Período de Entreguerras (1919-1939). Rev. am. med. respir. [online]. 2017, vol.17, n.3, pp.00-00. ISSN 1852-236X.

Investigating the history of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation we delve into historical, social, scientific, economic and political aspects from the origins of the technique to help breathe in a non-hostile way. We have analyzed a repertoire of scientific, health, political and economic literature, to rewrite a historical discourse that introduces us in different moments of this technique. An evolutionary line of inventions and research towards an improvement of this practice that promotes patient comfort and efficiency of the technique during the twentieth century and its projection to the present day. Technique that resolves from its beginnings sanitary and medical problems in cases of patients with a poor oxygenation. We point out the process of technification and improvement of the devices that help to breathe. On the European continent we will outline some brushstrokes of the investigations to tackle the evils provoked after the Great War, 1914-1918. German contributions from Dräger and the progress of French researchers. It will analyze the advances and achievements that were achieved in North America. The main protagonists, the participation of the industry in this technical and sanitary progress, the devices that were designed and the scientific-technical and economic controversies that took place. Concluding that even wars, within the tragedy they pose for humanity, can bring some social “benefit” in a collateral way, as in the case of medical and health advances.

Keywords : History VMNI; Artificial respiration; Oxygen mask.