Indications for ventilation therapy

Advancement in ventilation techniques 

ventilation therapy

With significant improvements in mechanical ventilation technology, the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has now become widely accepted practice. By avoiding the need for a tracheotomy, NIV reduces the risk of infection. However, invasive ventilation with tracheostomy has become more and more appropriate for patients at home.

 

Long-term ventilation for patients with serious conditions 

Although technical developments have increased the options for many ventilated patients, therapy remains challenging and complex. However, long-term ventilation is still a beneficial option, especially for patients with progressive neuromuscular or chronic respiratory diseases in a (near) home setting.

The main indications for long-term ventilation are:

  • Primary chronic obstructive or restrictive lung diseases
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Cystic fibrosis
  • Progressive neuromuscular and neurological diseases
    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
    Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
    Multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Neurological diseases, e.g. due to tumour
  • Post-traumatic conditions
    Patients with severe injury of the spinal cord or brain or with chest injuries
    Patients with hypoxic brain damage
  • Post-infectious conditions
    Patients with fibrotic lesions after tuberculosis infection
    Patients with post-polio syndrome
  • Others
    e.g. congenital diseases, heart diseases

REMEO – Improving quality of life 

There is a growing need among patients and their families for a continuum of care that bridges the gap between intensive care and their home. REMEO has been created to bridge this gap.

When treating and caring for ventilated patients, it is necessary to take a highly individual approach to their specific requirements; e.g. their current condition, medical history, individual wishes and the family’s situation.

Patients with progressive neuromuscular diseases often die as a result of respiratory failure. Not only can both invasive and non-invasive ventilation prolong the patient’s life but they can also provide improved quality of life.

There is also growing evidence that non-invasive ventilation can offer major improvements in quality of life, survival and morbidity for most of the other indications. However, as the disease progresses invasive techniques should still be considered.

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