RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 When to wean from a ventilator: An evidence-based strategy
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 389
OP 400
VO 70
IS 5
A1 Frutos-Vivar, Fernando
A1 Esteban, Andrés
YR 2003
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/70/5/389.abstract
AB It is often unclear when and how to wean patients from mechanical ventilation. We have devised an evidence-based protocol in which patients undergo a 30-minute trial of spontaneous breathing with a T tube or pressure support of 7 cm H2O. Those who can tolerate the trial are extubated, while those who cannot are reconnected to mechanical ventilation but undergo another trial every day until they can be extubated. More study is needed to improve the criteria to predict successful spontaneous breathing and extubation, and to clarify the role of noninvasive ventilation to avoid reintubation.