The Role of Muscular Ultrasound in Predicting Weaning Success

The Role of Muscular Ultrasound in Predicting Weaning Success

When attempting to wean a patient from the ventilator, even if he/she passes the spontaneous breathing test, 10-20% of the time extubation failure occurs and the patient is reintubated. When the patient is reintubated the mortality rate increases and the length of intensive care unit stay is also increased. It is vital to intensively assess the patient before extubation and correctly predict extubation success. Muscular ultrasound may be helpful in these situations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation
• Patients who have been mechanically ventilated for more than 72 hrs

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant patients
• Patients with previous neuromuscular diseases
• Difficulties in muscular ultrasound (Dressing, operation, etc)