Abstract
The purpose of this work is to review the use of long-term tracheal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (TIPPV) and its advantages and complications in the long-term management of neuromuscular ventilatory failure. Over 500 such individuals have been described who have had prolonged survival due largely to long-term TIPPV. Many of these individuals have remained active both professionally and socially. Long-term TIPPV is generally well tolerated and may become necessary to prolong the survival of individuals who already use noninvasive methods of ventilatory support but whose conditions have progressed to the point of requiring a tracheostomy.