Mechanical Ventilation: Beyond the ICU

A wide array of equipment and supplies is needed for long-term mechanical ventilation at home or other site.

**Table 5—**Checklist of Equipment and SuppliesThat Should Be Considered for Ventilator-Assisted Patients Beyond the ICU*
Mechanical ventilator† Primary Secondary or backup system (portability†) 12-V battery and connecting cable for emergency (power source†) Ventilator circuit† Exhalation valve Tracheostomy tube adapter/connector Humidifier† Humidifier and heater Humidifier bracket Heat and moisture exchanger Manual resuscitator Oxygen† Oxygen supply system (stationary and portable) Oxygen bleed-in adapter to ventilator Oxygen tubing Tracheostomy collar or t-tube adapter Nasal cannulae Noninvasive patient interfaces Face mask Nasal mask or nasal pillows Mouthpiece: customized, standard, lipseal Head gear, chin straps Suction machine (stationary and portable)† Suction catheters Connecting tubing Suction collection container Gloves Other secretion clearance aids such as cough inex-sufflator† Disinfectant solution Vinegar/water 1:3 Quaternary ammonium compound Tracheostomy supplies Spare tracheostomy tube (including next smaller size) 10-ml syringe used only to inflate or deflate cuff Hydrogen peroxide Tracheostomy dressings or Velcro trach tube strap Tracheostomy tape Sterile saline solution Antibiotic ointment Cotton-tipped applicators Monitors and alarms for ventilator and patient† Patient communication system† Compressor for aerosolized medications Wheelchair Hospital bed and mattress Commode, bedpan, urinal, or elevated toilet seat Patient lifter Safety bars in bathroom Hand-held shower Shower chair

Some of the supplies may not be needed by every patient. For example, a patient on noninvasive ventilation would not need a tracheostomy tube adaptor or tracheostomy supplies unless the physician believes the supplies are medically necessary.

Mechanical Ventilation: Beyond the ICU

Equipment and Resources