The goal of controlled mechanical ventilation is to optimise the alveolar ventilation (by generating adequate flow and volume) while minimising the work of breathing. As a standard of care, it is vital to monitor regularly the function of the ventilator system (including settings) and the clinical status of the patient. Continuous monitoring of gas exchange, ventilator drive and breathing pattern allows adjustment of ventilator settings in order to optimise the outcome of the patient. Mechanically ventilated patients require intensive nursing support. Ideally, clear end points of the therapy should be established and reassessed continuously depending on the patient’s evolution.

Weaning of the ventilator refers to the entire process of liberating the patient from the mechanical support and from the endotracheal tube. It is estimated that 40% of the duration of mechanical ventilation is dedicated to this critical step.

This webinar will try and cover the current employed strategies and predictors for an optimised outcome of the mechanically ventilated patients based on the current evidence from human and veterinary medicine.

Recording from 1 October 2020