As Technology Improves, More People Breathe With Machines
Yes," Mr. Morrison replied, his voice made harsh by the tube. Then his eyes widened and his dry lips parted into a half- smile. "They're making a robot out of me." In the neighboring bed was a man who became paralyzed after falling off a roof. A ventilator the size of a small refrigerator was connected to his tracheotomy tube, whooshing every time it delivered a breath....
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/24/health/24VENT.html