Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA)
DeviceNeurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), an adjunct that can only be used with the Servo-i ventilator, allows the patient to synchronize spontaneous respiratory effort with mechanical ventilation. NAVA uses the electromyographic signal of the diaphragm (Edi) to transmit this electrical activity back to the ventilator. The NAVA catheter is a functional gastric tube that has electrodes embedded within it and positioned at the level of diaphragm using an electrocardiogram signal. These electrodes continuously (every 5ms) detect the amplitude, duration, and frequency of the Edi and provide pressure support in proportion to this electrical activity. Proportionality is controlled by a NAVA factor (cmH20/microvolt) and is adjusted by the user.