title: Weaning from mechanical ventilation.
abstract: An understanding of respiratory physiology is helpful when weaning a patient from mechanical ventilation. Various criteria are available that assess pulmonary function and the patient's ability to breathe spontaneously. The majority of patients are weaned without difficulty, but a small percentage will require careful evaluation. A complete assessment of the patient is essential during the weaning trial. The mode of ventilation during weaning is less important than careful observation during the trial. Simple vital signs and physical findings remain some of the best indicators of success or failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Weigelt
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D013997:Time Factors; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods*