Spontaneous breathing trial

A goal for most patients on mechanical ventilation is to be weaned from the ventilator. The weaning process is highly dependent on the patient's pathology, but the final common pathway to ventilator independence always includes at least one trial of spontaneous breathing. Trials of spontaneous breathing have been shown to accurately predict the success of spontaneous breathing. A goal for most patients on mechanical ventilation is to be weaned from the ventilator. The weaning process is highly dependent on the patient's pathology, but the final common pathway to ventilator independence always includes at least one trial of spontaneous breathing. Trials of spontaneous breathing have been shown to accurately predict the success of spontaneous breathing. In all of the methods below, the common endpoint measurement is a Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (Tobin Index) of less than or equal to 105. The RSBI ('Riz-bee') is simply the ratio of respiratory frequency in respirations per minute to tidal volume in liters (f/Vt). Certainly, other measures such as patient's mental status should be considered. E.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8 is an independent indication for intubation in traumatic brain injury.