Home mechanical ventilation: What are all the options ?

Abstract

Children requiring mechanical ventilation are increasingly cared for in the home setting. The goals for these children at home include ensure medical safety of the child, optimize the child's quality of life, use respiratory equipment safely and properly, and prevent or minimize compli cations. Although positive pressure ventilation with a tracheostomy is the technique most com monly used in the home setting, other options are available. These include the negative pressure ventilation systems, diaphragmatic pacing, continuous positive airway pressure with nasal mask, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. The type of ventilation unit used depends on diagnosis, pathology, age, and size of the child. The various ventilation choice issues are discussed. It is hoped that with the presented information the reader will better understand various ventilation methods and be able to safely care for the child at home. Key words: me chanical ventilation, negative pressure ventilation systems, diaphragmatic pacing, continuous positive airway pressure ventilation