Noninvasive options for ventilatory support of the traumatic high level quadriplegic patient.

The ventilation of 25 ventilator-dependent traumatic quadriplegic patients was supported by noninvasive means of ventilatory assistance. Twenty-four of the 25 were initially managed by endotracheal intubation, and 23 of these went on to tracheostomy intermittent positive pressure ventilation before being converted to NVA. Seventeen of the 23 patients had their tracheostomies closed. This included three patients with no significant free time except with the use of glossopharyngeal breathing. Seven of the 25 patients who used NVA for at least one year with no significant free time have employed NVA for a mean of 7.4 +/- 7.4 years (1 to 22 years). Mouth IPPV was the most common form of NVA used both during the daytime and overnight. The wrap ventilators, intermittent abdominal pressure ventilator, and GPB were also employed for long-term respiratory support. It was concluded that, in general, because of their youth, intact mental status and bulbar musculature, and absence of obstructive lung disease, patients with traumatic high level spinal cord injury are candidates to benefit from these techniques.