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Ventilator Machines
for
Paralyzed Lungs
Vent machines are sophisticated air
pumps that help paralyzed people breathe. Vents are highly adjustable, for
comfort as well as for health and safety. Caregivers dial in the settings for
breaths per minute, volume and pressure, and a number of other factors. 
Vent machines connect to the
patient by a set of plastic hoses. The largest hose, which carries the
breathable air, connects directly to the trach tube in Jeffrey’s neck. Often a
humidifier will be put inline to moisturize the air, since breathing through a trach
tube bypasses the natural moisture
sources in the
nose and mouth.
Jeff uses two different vent machines:
This is the mobile backup system he
needs when (because of illness or muscle fatigue) he is unable to use his
breathing pacer. The LTV is relatively new on the market, and dramatically
smaller than any of its current competitors. Using the LTV and a removable
battery box, Jeff presents a smaller, neater package than he could with older,
bulkier models; and he can fit in elevators and other places which previously
presented quite an obstacle for him.
Manufacturer site...
 LP
10: This is the vent
Jeff uses at bedside, at night. The LP 10 is a good vent, but it is bulky and
presents an awful problem when you try to fit it to a power wheelchair with a
tilting seat. And seats have to tilt: every hour or less, Jeff has to tilt the
seat to take pressure off the blood vessels in his butt that are compressed by
gravity. Jeff’s under-oxygenated body tissue
will die if these “weight shifts” are not performed.
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