Drake Center: Specialized Medical & Rehabilitative Care
Ventilator Weaning
The goal of the Drake Center ventilator weaning program is to reduce and, if possible, eliminate a patient’s dependence on a ventilator for breathing. Ventilator weaning is an important step in a patient's recovery, which can be long and difficult. At Drake Center, an expert team of professionals oversees a highly successful, nationally recognized program designed to help individuals who have otherwise been unable to wean from mechanical ventilation.
Staff expertise supported by technology
The expertise of the Drake Center staff is supported by the advanced technology of Siemens Servo ventilators. Used in conjunction with other state-of-the-art equipment, they are ideal for use in the treatment of patients with medically complex conditions. Alternative methods of weaning are also available.
Screening of potential patients
Appropriate referrals include medically complex patients, 16 and older, who require ventilator support for part or all of each day, but have potential for weaning.
Specialized approaches
- A Drake Center unit for medically complex allows the patient to be admitted directly from an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- To complement this effort, the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation staff, as well as physical and occupational therapists, begin programs to rebuild patients' strength, endurance, and skills.
- A speech-language pathologist, working with the respiratory therapist, determines the appropriateness of various communication devices that allow the patient to speak while still on the ventilator.
- A dietitian evaluates the specialized nutritional needs of the patient and develops an individualized plan.
- Family involvement is encouraged and support services are provided.
Call for more information
For more information on Drake Center's ventilator weaning program, please call:
Local: 513-418-2593
Long-distance (toll-free):
