Monitoring ventilator weaning - Predictors of success

Improving the prediction of successful ventilator weaning and extubation is a goal that all Intensivists and perioperative physicians strive for. The successful wean and extubation of ventilated patients decreases hospital le ngth of stay and associated costs, but more importantly it also reduces pat ient morbidity and mortality. This review evaluates traditional and novel i ndices used in the assessment for ventilatory wean readiness. Novel equipme nt such as the Bicore pulmonary monitor and the CO2SMO Plus are now availab le on the market to assess and monitor ventilator weaning and may offer som e value in this process. We also review the non-respiratory factors affecti ng weaning and the role of the bedside nurse and respiratory therapist. Res olution of the pulmonary compromise and an understanding of respiratory phy siology, used in conjunction with monitored indices of weaning parameters i n a consistent fashion will continue to improve our success rates of ventil ator weaning and extubation.