Objective: To describe the outcomes of 206 patients admitted to the Ma
yo Ventilator-Dependent Rehabilitation Unit (VDRU) during a 5-year stu
dy period. Design: We analyze the patient data for 1990 through 1994,
which had been prospectively entered into a computer database for a co
hort of 206 patients who had become ventilator dependent during their
current hospitalization. Material and Methods: Patients in the VDRU we
re classified into one of six categories that reflected the reasons fo
r ventilator dependence. Ability to be weaned from mechanical ventilat
ion, duration of hospital stay and ventilator dependence, outcome, dis
position, demographics, and long-term survival were analyzed. The VDRU
patient group was compared for hospital and follow-up outcomes with a
group of historical control patients previously described by us. Resu
lts: The Mayo VDRU was established in January 1990. During the first 5
years of its operation, 206 newly ventilator-dependent patients were
admitted to the VDRU, 190 (92%) of whom survived to be dismissed; 16 p
atients (8%) died in the hospital, Of the 190 patients dismissed, 77%
were able to return to their homes. Overall, 153 patients were liberat
ed from mechanical ventilation, whereas 37 remained either completely
or partially ventilator dependent. Of these 37 patients, 27 (73%) were
receiving nocturnal mechanical ventilation only. The 4-year survival
was 53%. Conclusion: The Mayo VDRU has been highly successful in liber
ating newly ventilator-dependent patients from mechanical ventilation.
The longterm survival after management in the VDRU has been excellent
. In addition, the medical charges for care in the VDRU are less than
intensive-care unit charges.