What does "NIV" stand for?

"NIV" stands for Noninvasive Ventilation, which refers to a method of providing ventilatory support to patients without the need for endotracheal intubation. This technique uses various forms of positive pressure to assist or replace spontaneous breathing, thereby reducing the work of breathing and improving gas exchange in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, congestive heart failure, and respiratory failure.

This approach is widely used because it is less invasive than traditional mechanical ventilation methods and can result in fewer complications, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, while also allowing patients to maintain better communication and comfort. Noninvasive ventilation can be delivered through various interfaces, such as nasal masks or full-face masks, which is a significant advantage over traditional intubation methods.

The other provided options do not accurately encapsulate the widely accepted terminology within the medical community, where the specific term "Noninvasive Ventilation" is established and recognized in clinical practice and literature.