Respiratory failure after thoracoplasty: treatment by intermittent negative-pressure ventilation.

Abstract
Ten patients with severe respiratory failure secondary to extensive pulmonary tuberculosis and thoracoplasty were treated with intermittent negative-pressure ventilation. All recovered and were followed up for 6 mo.-8 yr. Two have died from unrelated causes and 6 have used some form of breathing aid at home. Negative-pressure ventilation, which is a noninvasive form of respiratory support, offers important benefits in selected cases.