Weaning and Discontinuation 
of Mechanical Ventilation

• Introduction

• What is Weaning / Discontinuation?

• How do I determine if the patient is suitable for  weaning?

• Partial ventilator support and it's role in weaning

• What is a spontaneous breathing trial?

• How determine success/failure of a  spontaneous breathing trial?

• How do I determine if the patient is suitable for extubation?

• Weaning & Discontinuation Algorithm

• Clinical Scenario

• Analysis of the clinical scenario

• Failure to Wean:

• Is the patient able to ventilate?

• Is the patient able to oxygenate?

• What other factors influence weaning?

• Key Points

• References

This section was written by Patrick Neligan MD, University of Pennsylvania