BACKGROUND: Subjects who do not pass ventilator weaning parameters but whose ambient air oxyhemoglobin saturation can be normalized by mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) can be extubated to continuous noninvasive ventilatory support (CNVS) with MIE used to maintain extubation. Our aim was to study MIE-associated changes in breathing tolerance, pulse oximetry, and vital capacity (VC) for consecutive unweanable subjects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for consecutively referred intubated subjects with single-organ (respiratory muscle) failure. At presentation, CO 2 was normalized by adjusting ventilator settings and VC was measured (point 1). Then, MIE was used via the tube up to every h until oximetry remained > 95% on ambient air and VC was remeasured (point 2) immediately before extubation. Subjects who could not meet ventilator weaning criteria and had no ventilator-free breathing ability upon extubation to CNVS were enrolled. Post-extubation, the MIE was used to maintain oximetry > 95% in room air. VC and breathing tolerance were remeasured within 3 weeks (point 3). RESULTS: Ninetyseven of 98 subjects were successfully extubated despite 45 having been CNVS-dependent for 4 months to 18 y before being intubated. Sixty-nine of the 98 were intubated for 24.9 ؎ 22 (range 1-158) d and failed 0 -6 (mean 1.7) extubation attempts before being transferred and successfully extubated in 2.24 ؎ 1.78 (range < 1-8) d to CNVS. VC increased by 270% (P < .001) from points 1 to 3. Weaning from CNVS to part-time NVS was achieved by all 52 subjects who had not been CNVS-dependent before intubation. One subject underwent tracheotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Many unweanable subjects can be extubated to CNVS and MIE. The latter can normalize O 2 saturation, increase VC, and facilitate extubation.

NIV and tracheostomy can both prolong survival for SMA 1 patients, but the latter results in continuous ventilator dependence and speech does not develop.

Many ventilator users can be decanulated in outpatient clinics to continuous noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilatory support with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation used to increase vital capacity, SpO2, and autonomous ability to breathe.