A machine that helps a patient breathe. Sometimes it is used temporarily until a person can breathe on his or her own; other times it is a permanent breathing aide. In the latter case, a tube is often placed directly into a patient’s windpipe via a procedure called a tracheotom.

A machine that helps a patient breathe. Sometimes it is used temporarily until a person can breathe on his or her own; other times it is a permanent breathing aide. In the latter case, a tube is often placed directly into a patient’s windpipe via a procedure called a tracheotom.