FCV: Redefining Mechanical Ventilation at SIMUVAD 2026

Are we witnessing the most significant shift in invasive mechanical ventilation in decades?

During the X Clinical Simulation Course on Safe Airway Management, held at the Hospital Universitario de la Paz, we had the privilege of attending the "Expert Updates" session to delve into a concept that is transforming clinical practice.

Flow Controlled Ventilation (FCV): A New Standard

Led by Dr. Javier Uriarte, we explored how FCV technology is not just an alternative, but a complete redefinition of traditional mechanical ventilation.

What makes FCV so disruptive? After 70 years of conventional ventilation (PCV/VCV), Flow Controlled Ventilation utilizes a low, continuous flow (without pauses) during both inspiration and (active) expiration. This creates physiological recruitment and allows for individualization through more homogeneous and efficient ventilation. With a lower respiratory rate, it stands as the most protective form of ventilation available today.

Real-World Application and Simulation

In a conference defined by high-fidelity simulation like simUVAD, the limitations of conventional ventilation—especially in difficult airway scenarios—were highlighted. FCV stood out as a minimally invasive ventilation of choice for:

• Difficult airways
• Shared airways
• Extreme situations such as "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" (CICO/NINO).

Special thanks to the SIMUVAD family, led by Dr. Pedro Garrido, for these 10 years of turning this course into an international benchmark.

#Anesthesia #FCV #MechanicalVentilation #IESMedical #simUVAD #PatientSafety #Airway #MedTech #HospitalLaPaz