title: Prolonged weaning: from the intensive care unit to home.
abstract: Weaning is the process of withdrawing mechanical ventilation which starts with the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Based on the degree of difficulty and duration, weaning is classified as simple, difficult and prolonged. Prolonged weaning, which includes patients who fail 3 SBTs or are still on mechanical ventilation 7 days after the first SBT, affects a relatively small fraction of mechanically ventilated ICU patients but these, however, requires disproportionate resources. There are several potential causes which can lead to prolonged weaning. It is nonetheless important to understand the problem from the point of view of each individual patient in order to adopt appropriate treatment and define precise prognosis. An otherwise stable patient who remains on mechanical ventilation will be considered for transfer to a specialized weaning unit (SWU). Though there is not a precise definition, SWU can be considered as highly specialized and protected environments for patients requiring mechanical ventilation despite resolution of the acute disorder. Proper staffing, well defined short-term and long-term goals, attention to psychological and social problems represent key determinants of SWU success. Some patients cannot be weaned, either partly or entirely, and may require long-term home mechanical ventilation. In these cases the logistics relating to caregivers and the equipment must be carefully considered and addressed.
authors: Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Vercelli, CRRF Mons. L. Novarese, Moncrivello, VC, Italy.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Navalesi
authors: Spinal Cord Unit, Niguarda-Ca' Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Frigerio
authors: Inamed GmbH, Robert-Koch-Allee 29, 82131 Gauting, Germany.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Patzlaff
authors: Inamed GmbH, Robert-Koch-Allee 29, 82131 Gauting, Germany.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Häußermann
authors: GBU Healthcare, Linde Gas Headquarters, Seitnerstrasse 70, 82049 Pullach, Germany.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Henseke
authors: GBU Healthcare, Linde Gas Headquarters, Seitnerstrasse 70, 82049 Pullach, Germany. Electronic address: martin.kubitschek@linde-gas.com.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kubitschek
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013997:Time Factors; D014140:Tracheotomy; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods
keywords: Desmame; Mechanical ventilation; Specialized weaning unit (SWU); Unidade Especializada em Desmame (SWU); Ventilação Mecânica; Weaning