This was the first organized activity of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Vent Clinic. The Vent Clinic, which opened in 1995, brings together rehabilitation therapists, social workers and dietitians to treat children who depend on ventilators to breathe. Although the Medical Center began offering these services separately in 1990, most children who required prolonged use of a ventilator previously had to go to Los Angeles or San Diego for ongoing care. As we had these kids come back to ICU, we realized there was no one to manage these ventilators. Ronald M. Perkin, MD, professor of pediatrics and medical director of PICU, helped Dr. van Stralen design the clinic which now meets two hours every other Friday at the Children's Hospital.
Doctors evaluate each child every two months.
As patients learn to control how much air goes into their lungs, doctors manage the ventilators and make sure the children are able to speak through special valves. Rehabilitation doctors at the Vent Clinic deal with many issues including bladder infections, spine and joint problems, and weak muscles. Dietitians make sure the correct amount of liquid food is consumed to avoid obesity or undernourishment. The Vent Clinic also helps its young patients socialize. All rights reserved.