VENtilation Modalities During Transport of PostoperatIve CRITically Ill Patients to the ICU

Patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery may require postoperative mechanical ventilation and transfer from the operating room to the intensive care unit (ICU). This intra-hospital transport phase is critical, as patients may experience changes in respiratory and hemodynamic status, including alterations in oxygenation, ventilation, blood pressure, and heart rate. During transport, ventilatory support may be provided using different strategies, including manual ventilation with a bag-valve device or mechanical ventilation with a portable ventilator. Although both approaches are commonly used in clinical practice, there is limited evidence comparing their effects on respiratory function, gas exchange, and overall physiological stability during and after transport. This multicenter, prospective observational study aims to describe current clinical practices in ventilatory support du