Available online 23 March 2024, 151884

Author links open overlay panelAbstract

Artificial ventilation of the newborn infant is the foundation of neonatology. Early practitioners included pediatricians, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, and engineers. The discovery of surfactant, followed by the death of Patrick Kennedy, jump-started the new area, with investment and research rapidly expanding. The ever more complex design of mechanical ventilators necessitated a more thorough understanding of newborn pulmonary physiology in order to provide support with minimal associated injury. This piece briefly reviews and highlights this history.

Section snippetsDisclosure

The author declares no conflict of interest.

References (39)M Delavoria-Papadoupolis et al.Assisted ventilation in terminal hyaline membrane disease

Arch Dis Child

(1964)

MT Stahlman et al.Prognosis in hyaline membrane disease. Use of a linear discriminant

N Engl J Med

(1967)

MA Avery et al.Surface properties in relation to atelectasis and hyaline membrane disease

AMA Journal of Diseases in Childhood

(1959)

JD Horbar et al.A multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled trial of surfactant therapy for respiratory distress syndrome

N Engl J Med

(1989)

A Corrado et al.Negative pressure ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure: an old noninvasive technique reconsidered

Eur Respir J

(1996)

Altman LK. A Kennedy baby's life and death. New York Times 7/29/13;section D p...PC Smith et al.Mechanical ventilation of newborn infants. 1. The effect of rate and pressure on arterial oxygenation of infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Pediatr Res

(1969)

EOR. ReynoldsEffect of alterations of mechanical ventilator settings on pulmonary gas exchange in hyaline membrane disease

Arch Dis Child

(1971)

R Kirby et al.Continuous flow ventilation as an alternative to assisted or controlled ventilation in infants

Anesth and Analg

(1972)

View full text

© 2024 Published by Elsevier Inc.