Tracheal versus noninvasive mechanical ventilation in neuromuscular patients: experience and evaluation.

From the experience of following 86 long-term ventilated neuromuscular patients, some aspects of the mode of ventilation are discussed: tolerance and problems, switching from one ventilation technique to another. As a general rule, the noninvasive methods are to be preferred. Tracheostomy may continue to be indicated in the event of an insufficient cultural level, recurrent aspirations, or low pulmonary compliance.