Effect of Increased Muscular Work During Different Weaning Strategies in Critically Ill Patients

Most patients admitted to intensive care units require mechanical ventilation. Weaning from assisted/controlled ventilation begins when we recognize that the patient has recovered adeguately from acute respiratory failure. If weaning is delayed, costs are increased, as are the risks of nosocomial pneumonia, cardiac-associated morbility, and death. On the other hand, weaning too soon often results in reintubation, which is associated with complications similar to those of prolonged ventilation. The aim of this trial is to establish an evidence-based approach to weaning and to determine when a patient is ready to be weaned from mechanical ventilation, and what is the best weaning technique.