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Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

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Breathing and ventilation

Invasive ventilation

Breathing support delivered through a tube placed into the windpipe, rather than through a mask.

What it means

A ventilator connects to an opening made in the front of the neck, so air goes straight into the windpipe. It can take over more of the work of breathing than a mask can. It also changes daily life a great deal, including speech, swallowing, and how much help is needed at home.

Why you might hear it

  • It usually comes up as a decision to think about ahead of time, not in an emergency.
  • A team may describe it alongside NIV so the two can be compared.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.