DEMOGRAPHICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGYEpidemiology of Acute Respiratory FailureSean P. Keenan and Dean R. ChittockEvolution of the Modern Mechanical VentilatorNeil MacIntyreUtilization of Mechanical Ventilation for Critical Care: An International PerspectiveAntonio Anzueto and Andres EstebanCosts Associated with Mechanical VentilationWilliam T. McGeeSTRATEGIES FOR OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN CRITICAL CAREMechanical Ventilation: Protocol-Driven StrategiesMarin H. KollefNoninvasive Ventilation: A Strategy to Improve Outcomes and Resource Utilization in Critical CareNicholas S. Hill and Denis LinNew Modes of VentilationDean Hess and Richard D. BransonClosed Loop Mechanical VentilationBrian A. Kimble and Mitchell M. LevyTreatment of Agitation and Its Comorbidities in the Intensive Care UnitDavid CrippenOptimal Airway Management in Ventilated PatientsGeorge B. BuczkoVENTILATORY STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY FAILUREVentilator Management Strategies for Acute AsthmaThomas Corbridge and Jesse B. HallVentilator Management Strategies for COPD PatientsDenis Lin and Nicholas S. HillStrategies of Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeJoseph V. Meharg and James R. KlingerNoninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure Not Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseG. Umberto Meduri, Massimo Antonelli, and Giorgio ContiSTRATEGIES TO FACILITATE THE WEANING PROCESSStrategies for Predicting Successful Weaning from Mechanical VentilationG. R. Scott Budinger and Martin J. TobinOptimizing the Efficiency of Weaning from Mechanical VentilationE. Wesley Ely, David L. Bowton, and Edward F. HaponikNoninvasive Ventilation to Facilitate Weaning from Mechanical VentilationStafano Nava and Fiorenzo RubiniSTRATEGIES TO MINIMI