Episode 17 - Discontinuing Mechanical Ventilation

Determining whether or not your intubated and ventilated patient requires ongoing ventilatory support should not be overly complicated. In this episode we review the approach to determining if our mechanically ventilated patients can be safely extubated. In addition to discussing readiness for spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) criteria, we also discuss the potential utility of "weaning" criteria, choice of method of SBT, and considerations when removing the endotracheal tube. Support the...