ABSTRACT
The process of weaning (liberating) patients from mechanical ventilation
occupies a considerable portion of the total ventilator time, with estimates
ranging from 40% to 60% (1). This chapter provides a comprehensive overview
of important key topics related to weaning, such as pathophysiologic insights into
weaning failure, predicting and optimizing weaning success, and methods of
weaning, including protocol-driven approaches to weaning. A separate section
addresses sedation in relation to weaning. Weaning from chronic mechanical
ventilation includes the topics of tracheostomy and airway devices. A guide to
discussing goals of therapy for the ventilated patient is also addressed.
