12203 (503) Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA): Innovative Technology for Neonatal Ventilation
Howard Stein, MD, Toledo Children's Hospital, Toledo, OH; Kim Firestone, RRT

Abstract
This symposium will be an in-depth discussion of NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) in the NICU. Part 1 reviews the basics of NAVA and how this allows a patient to synchronize spontaneous respiratory effort with mechanical ventilation. It will be discussed how, on NAVA ventilation, the patient determines their own respiratory rate, tidal volume, peak pressures, inspiratory and expiratory times in synchrony with the ventilator. Part 2 reviews the neonatal data and demonstrates that neonates ventilate effectively on NAVA. Part 3 offers an approach how to introduce new technologies into a NICU using NAVA as an example. Part 4 describes how to formulate a business plan, using NAVA as an example, to bring new technologies into the NICU.

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the concept of NAVA ventilation and review NAVA terminology.
2. Compare NAVA ventilation to conventional ventilation .
3. Review data on the neonate’s response when ventilated using NAVA.
4. Describe the items considered when introducing new technologies into a NICU.