Abstract
Background
Patients with chronic respiratory failure caused by severe neuromuscular impairment often require long-term respiratory support. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) via tracheostomy is usually provided in intensive care units (ICUs), but in carefully selected cases, it can be safely transitioned to home care. The use of a single-limb ventilator circuit (Single BiPAP circuit with Whisper Swivel II), intended initially for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), may represent a cost-effective and practical alternative for long-term home IMV.
Case presentation
We present a 50-year-old male with progressive neuromuscular disease and chronic respiratory failure, who required long-term IMV through a tracheostomy tube. After stabilization in the ICU, ventilation was maintained at home using a Single BiPAP circuit with Whisper Swivel II, combined with a mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) device for airway secretion clearance. The patient’s family received structured training in tracheostomy care, ventilator operation, and secretion management. Over 32-month period, the patient maintained stable respiratory function, experienced a marked reduction in infectious exacerbations, and preserved an acceptable quality of life.
Conclusion
In selected patients, long-term home IMV using a single-limb ventilator combined with an MIE device can be a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to conventional ICU-based ventilation. Successful outcomes require structured patient and caregiver training, close follow-up, and coordinated multidisciplinary support.