Options for long-term ventilatory support.

Long-term mechanical ventilator support for patients with chronic respiratory failure is becoming more common. This article reviews the common causes for chronic ventilator dependence, and offers an approach to weaning these patients from the ventilator. In addition, the details for preparing these patients for prolonged mechanical ventilation outside of the acute-care hospital setting are discussed. Appropriate education of the patient's caregivers is key to the success of long-term ventilatory support outside of the acute-care hospital.