Objective To analyze the related risk factors of the patients with ventilator dependence. Methods A total of 372 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation admitted in our respiratory intensive care unit of the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command from January 2008 to June 2012 were enrolled in this study. Their clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 372 patients, ventilator dependence occurred in 91 patients. The elder age (older than 70 years), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low heart function (heart function of NYHA Ⅲ or Ⅳ), cerebral accident and aspiration pneumonia, sepsis shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), low body mass index (＜18.5 kg/m2), and motor neuron disease were the risk factors of ventilator dependence. Conclusion For the patients older than 70 years and having history of COPD, ventilator weaning should be done as early as possible, and sequential invasive ventilation to non-invasive ventilation treatment be carried out according to patient’s condition. What’s more, improving the heart function, strengthening the lungs and general infection control, improving the nutritional support, and preventiing the of MODS are effective measures to reduce ventilator dependence.