Mechanical ventilation is an integral part of critically ill patients. As medical education does not provide enough space in its curriculum for this area, most young clinicians learn mechanical ventilation at the patient's bedside under the supervision of their experienced seniors. Clinicians involved in managing critically ill patients are expected to be familiar with all aspects of mechanical ventilation. This user-friendly book gives a succinct description of academic basis of concepts associated with mechanical ventilation and practical application. Chapters 1-12 incorporate all practical information including indications, initiation, monitoring, graphics, various basic modes and weaning from ventilation. Chapter 5 describes all graphics, applicable waveforms. Every current ventilator is equipped with graphic display and thus a clinician is expected to be proficient in interpreting basic waveforms. Chapters 13-22 include academic material from various sources explaining important concepts in mechanical ventilation. Information on PEEP/CPAP, newer modes of ventilation, ARDS management, nutrition, sedation and analgesic use, is discussed in detail. This edition has three new chapters-Chapter 23 Patient-Ventilator Asynchrony, Chapter 24 Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist and Chapter 25 Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. A CD, Essentials of Ventilator Graphics is provided with the book. Clinicians taking care of mechanically ventilated patients are expected to get immense benefit from this book in the form of a quick source of information in the ICU and as a standard practical guide on handling the equipment.