Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

When noninvasive ventilation no longer provides enough breathing support, invasive mechanical ventilation is a way to extend your life.
It requires tracheostomy surgery, which creates a circular hole in your windpipe at the base of your neck to which the ventilator tube will connect. After that, a portable ventilator will breathe for you.

What would this mean for me?

Going on invasive mechanical ventilation means that you will be connected to your ventilator full-time and will need 24/7 care. You will receive nutrition through a feeding tube and will most likely need to communicate through a speech-generating device.

What type of care would I need?

Once you are connected to a ventilator, you will need around-the-clock 24/7 care. If you hire caregivers, they must be skilled, vent-trained professionals. This type of care is expensive, and is not covered by Medicare. Medicaid and some private insurance plans may pay for some level of care.

​Family members can be trained to care for you. They will need to be fully trained before you return from the hospital, which can take two to four weeks. Once at home, family caregivers will need to care for the trach site, maintain supplies, and suction secretions from the airway multiple times an hour.

Vivo 45 LS Portable Ventilator

Weighing just 5.3 pounds, the Vivo 45 LS by Breas is one of the smallest ventilators on the market. Its ultra-compact design maximizes mobility and independence for people living with ALS. You can use the Vivo for breathing support at night, intermittent breathing support during the day, or as a full-time life support ventilator. Learn more.

How should I make this decision?

This is a very personal decision. Talk with your neurologist, ALS clinic team, and a representative from your local ALS organization about the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical ventilation.

​Visit our tracheotomy and ventilation page to read about invasive ventilation pros, cons, and considerations.

​Talking about this with your loved ones is not easy, but it is extremely important. You may want to ask the social worker or nurse at your ALS clinic to facilitate the conversation, answer questions, and educate everyone on the realities of each option.
Though it is ultimately your decision, consider and discuss the impact your decision will have on everyone. People may have strong feelings, differing opinions, and resistance to what you want. Try to explain your thinking and wishes as clearly as possible.

Once you make your decision, be sure to fill out advance directives to make your wishes very clear to your loved ones and medical professionals. This will provide the gift of clarity for everyone and ensure that your wishes are followed.

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