A medical ventilator (or simply ventilator in context) is a machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently.

In modern clinical medicine, the ventilator, as an effective means to artificially replace the autonomous ventilation function, has been widely used in respiratory failure caused by various reasons, including anesthesia breathing management during major surgery, respiratory support treatment, and emergency resuscitation. It is a vital medical device that can prevent and treat respiratory failure, reduce complications, save and prolong patient life.