A novel form of manually assisted ventilation.
We report an individual with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy who has devised a way to assist her respiration by using her hands braced against the tray of her wheelchair. Utilizing this method, she was able to increase her tidal volume (VT) and lower her respiratory rate compared to unassisted spontaneous breathing, thereby maintaining a stable minute volume. The manually assisted VT measurements were comparable to those achieved using an intermittent abdominal pressure respirator (pneumatic belt). We believe that others with neuromuscular syndromes could use this technique, possibly decreasing their dependence on mechanical ventilatory assist devices.
Stone
Andrew C
AC
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
Nolan
Sheila
S
Abu-Hijleh
Muhanned
M
McCool
Dennis
D
Hill
Nicholas S
NS
Abu-Hijlehia
Muhanned
M
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012648:Self Care; D014910:Wheelchairs