Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
Published on: November 3, 2023
A Retrospective Review of the Travel Experiences of Children Using Home Mechanical Ventilation and Their Families
Ignacio Oyarzun1, Nisha Cithiravel1, Sarah Kuyntjes1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
Traveling with children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is feasible and safe. Families commonly bring extra ventilator batteries, and preventing respiratory infections is key for successful trips.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Medical Technology
- Patient Travel
Background:
- Children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) face isolation and caregiver burnout.
- Traveling presents challenges due to technological needs and medical fragility.
- This study reviews travel characteristics and challenges for HMV-dependent children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review travel characteristics of children using HMV.
- To identify challenges faced by HMV-dependent children during travel.
- To provide insights for facilitating travel for these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study at Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
- Reviewed electronic medical records and travel letters.
- Analyzed 53 travel experiences from 42 pediatric HMV patients (2015-2023).
Main Results:
- Most patients (96.2%) used noninvasive ventilation (NIV).
- 81.1% traveled by airplane, with a mean travel time of 9.2 hours.
- Common equipment included ventilators, batteries, and respiratory support devices; 37.8% required additional power sources.
Conclusions:
- Travel is feasible and safe for children using HMV.
- Ventilator batteries are essential additional equipment.
- Respiratory infections necessitate hospitalizations; prevention and medical team communication are vital.
Background:
The opportunity to travel is instrumental for children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and their families, given the potential isolation and high caregiver burnout from significant medical needs. Traveling can be difficult secondary to technological needs and medical fragility. This study aims to review travel characteristics and challenges of children using HMV.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic medical records and travel letters were reviewed for patients followed in our HMV program between January 1, 2015, and October 30, 2023.
Results:
Fifty-three travel experiences from 42 patients were analyzed. The mean (SD) age at travel was 10.3 (5.5) years. 96.2% (n = 51) used noninvasive ventilation (NIV). 81.1% traveled by airplane with a mean (SD) estimated one-way travel time of 9.2 (6.9) h. Destinations included: within country (5.7%), within continent (45.2%), and out of continent (49.1%). Carry-on equipment included ventilator(s), oximeter, cough assist, suction machine, feeding pump, tracheostomy care kit, nebulizer, and manual resuscitation bag. Additional ventilator energy supply was required by 20 (37.8%) of the families: 20.8% (n = 11) carried an extra ventilator battery, 13.2% (n = 7) a marine battery, and 3.8% (n = 2) a second ventilator. Three patients required hospitalization for respiratory infection and contacted our HMV program.
Conclusions:
Travel for children using HMV is feasible and safe. Most commonly brought additional equipment was ventilator batteries. Respiratory infections were the leading cause of hospitalization. Emphasizing respiratory infection prevention and maintaining direct communication with their home medical team is crucial.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement: