Respiratory failure after thoracoplasty: treatment by intermittent negative-pressure ventilation.

Ten patients with severe respiratory failure secondary to extensive pulmonary tuberculosis and thoracoplasty have been treated with intermittent negative-pressure ventilation. All recovered and have been followed up for from six months to eight years. Two have died from unrelated causes and six have used some form of breathing aid at home. Negative-pressure ventilation, which is a non-invasive form of respiratory support, offers important benefits in selected cases.