Impact of Respiratory Muscle Unloading on Respiratory Muscle Endurance

Liberation from mechanical ventilation in difficult to wean patients is best accomplished by intermittent spontaneous breathing trials (1). Optimal respiratory muscle rest in-between breathing trials however has never been investigated. Using a crossover design, patients are to be ventilated with complete and partial respiratory muscle unloading for a period of ten hours respectively. Respiratory muscle activity is being monitored by oesophageal balloon technique using a commercially available System (Avea, Viasys, Conshohocken, PA, USA). Time of spontaneous breathing, respiratory- and ABG parameters are being determined to characterize the course of each spontaneous breathing trial. References 1\. Esteban, A., F. Frutos, M. J. Tobin, I. Alia, J. F. Solsona, I. Valverdu, R. Fernandez, M. A. de la Cal, S. Benito, R. Tomas, and et al. 1995. A comparison of four methods of weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. Spanish Lung Failure Collaborative Group. N Engl J Med 332(6):345-50.