RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Modes to Facilitate Ventilator Weaning
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 1635
OP 1648
DO 10.4187/respcare.02081
VO 57
IS 10
A1 Richard D Branson
YR 2012
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/57/10/1635.abstract
AB Weaning comprises 40 percent of the duration of mechanical ventilation. Protocols to reduce weaning time and to identify candidates at the earliest possible moment have been introduced to reduce complications and costs. Increased demand for mechanical ventilation, an increase in the number of patients requiring prolonged ventilation, and resource/staffing issues have created an environment where automated weaning may play a role. A number of closed loop techniques have been introduced since the early 1990s, with increasing sophistication. Preliminary research has demonstrated mixed results. Current systems continue to be evaluated in different patient populations and environments. Automated weaning is part of the ICU armamentarium, and identification of the patient populations most likely to benefit needs to be further defined.