Dr. John Bach
Dr. John Bach is currently the Medical Director of the Center for Ventilator Management Alternatives at University Hospital (New Jersey), Professor of Neurosciences and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (among other responsibilities.)
He has pioneered and promoted the use of ventilatory alternatives (including the In-Exsufflator or Cough-Assist™) for patients with SMA and other similar conditions. The purpose of using these alternatives is to prolong life and improve quality of life by avoiding a permanent tracheostomy.
Rehabilitation of patients with neuromuscular disease, pulmonary disease, and home mechanical ventilation are the primary clinical focus of Dr. Bach, and he has authored more than 250 publications (including 7 books) on neuromuscular, pulmonary rehabilitation and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. He has lectured on these topics in over 30 countries.
Information Dr. Bach's techniques and related topics available on the FSMA site:
Guide to the Evaluation and Management of Neuromuscular Disease (order the book) This book is designed to be read by parents as well as doctors, and includes good explanations and pictures.
Protocol for Management of SMA Children at the University Hospital Center for Ventilator Management Alternatives (read the article)
Preventive Techniques in Dealing with Respiratory Tract Infections (read the article)
In-Exsufflators 101 – A Practical Guide to the Use of an In-Exsufflator (article by a parent) Other important articles:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1: A Noninvasive Respiratory Management Approach - published in Chest 2000;117:1100-1105 - full text of this article from http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/ventilation
Prevention of Pulmonary Morbidity for Patients with Neuromuscular Disease - published in Chest 2000 Nov;118(5):1390-6. full text of this clinical study from http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/ventilation
Infants and Small Children: SMA Types 1 and 2 and Congenital Myopathies -- http://www.doctorbach.com/children.htm -- information about the use of mechanical aids with very young children
Air Stacking -- http://www.doctorbach.com/gpb.htm -- Glossopharyngeal Breathing (GPB) techniques
Breathing Latin -- http://www.doctorbach.com/breathinglatin.htm -- explanation of common terms
Full bibliography articles by Dr. Bach at http://www.doctorbach.com/biblio.htm
To contact Dr. Bach, you may email him at bachjr@umdnj.edu or call his office at 973-972-2802. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD FIRST READ THE RELEVANT AREAS IN THE ABOVE BOOK (Guide to the Evaluation and Management of Neuromuscular Disease). Dr. Bach is devoted to the care of children with neuromuscular disorders, but he does not have time to explain the basic principles of respiratory care to every parent who contacts him. You should also read all the articles listed above.
Annual Training Course Announcement:
Treatment of Neuromuscular Disease: Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Muscular Dystrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A course for patients and health care professionals
The course will be held in May 2002, at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey.
For more information see: http://www.doctorbach.com/ or http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/ventilation
Related Links:
Dr. Bach's own web site - http://www.doctorbach.com - includes contact information and guestbook, training opportunities, complete collection of articles available on line, and many useful simple explanations
Center for Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Alternatives and and Pulmonary Rehabilitation -- http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/ventilation/index.html -- full text of the most important articles, general information
List of healthcare professionals trained by the Center in the use of noninvasive ventilation technique -- find a doctor or respiratory therapist near you (U.S., Canada, and international)
Cough-Assist™ (or In-Exsufflator) -- http://www.jhemerson.com/products/products_cough.htm -- product page from the manufacturer of the device
General Information about Breathing and Ventilation - other perspectives from the FSMA site