Survival of individuals receiving long-term mechanical ventilation

The reports published to date support the concept that LTMV can extend life for patients with respiratory insufficiency, particularly adults and children with neuromuscular and chest wall diseases. The impact of LTMV on survival in patients with obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD and bronchiectasis, is less clear and deserves further study. For all disease states, research is needed to determine the characteristics of patients who are most likely to benefit from LTMV and whether one method of ventilation is superior to another. In addition to survival, other important outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, quality of life, and costs associated with LTMV, should be assessed in future long-term studies.