High-Flow Tracheal Oxygen During Spontaneous Breathing Trial

The purpose of this study is to find out whether high-flow tracheal oxygen (HFTO) delivered at flows greater than 60 L/min can increase end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) in intubated patients during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Weaning from mechanical ventilation can be difficult, especially in patients at higher risk of failure. During an SBT, losing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can cause the lungs to lose volume and make breathing harder by increasing the work of breathing (WOB). HFTO may help reduce the work of breathing, but previous studies using flows of 30-60 L/min did not consistently show an increase in EELV. Higher flows may create more airway pressure. Therefore, the main question this study is trying to answer is: In intubated patients during an SBT, does HFTO at flows greater than 60 L/min increase EELV? The hypothesis is that HFTO at flows above 60 L/min will increase EELV during the SBT.