Prevention of Long-Time Dependence of Poliomyelitis Patients on Tank Respirator

Abstract

The experience in removing patients who have spent long periods in a tank respirator, acquired at the Respirator Center of the University of Michigan, is described. The factors which promote dependency on the respirator include psychogenic hyperpnea, reduction in pulmonary and thoracic compliance and lack of incentive. Cooperative efforts employing physiological measurements and psychotherapy made it possible to free patients from dependence on the tank respirator within a few months. It is the authors' belief that it is exceedingly rare that any patient with respiratory paralysis needs to be kept indefinitely in a tank respirator. Success is attributed to the skillful functioning of the physician as a bedside doctor, acting as psychiatrist and psychologist as well as internest or pediatrician. Details of the physiologic indices employed in determining dependency and the psychologic techniques which encourage the patient to gain independence are provided.