Aim: To compare pressure support versus T-piece trial for weaning from mechanical ventilation

Methodology: Randomized clinical trial in Surgical ICU, Khyber Teaching hospital Peshawar. 48 patients who had been mechanically ventilated for at least 24 hours and were deemed suitable for weaning took part in the study. SBT with pressure support ventilation of 8cm of H₂O was performed on one group of patients for two hours while the other group received a 30-minute SBT with pressure support ventilation. It was successful when extubation process is completed, (being able to go 72 hours without mechanical ventilation after the first SBT).

Results: Extubation was successful in 83.3% who received pressure support ventilation and in 75% who employed a T-piece. The patients who required reintubation were 12% with support pressure and 16.7% with T piece ventilation. Mortality rate in support pressure group is 16.7% while 25% in T piece ventilation group.

Conclusion: Pressure support ventilation for 30 minutes had a much higher success rate when it came to extubation. For spontaneous breathing trials, a shorter, less taxing ventilation approach should be used rather than the traditional one.