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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Structured Approach to Extubation in Mechanically Ventilated Rats
Published on: July 18, 2025
How to withdraw mechanical ventilation: a systematic review of the literature
1Detroit Receiving Hospital, Center to Advance Palliative Care Excellence, Center for Health Research, College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 5557 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Mcampbe3@dmc.org
Abstract:
Eight published accounts about ventilator withdrawal spanning 1992-2004 were selected for review. Articles were selected if they contained data that described the processes comprising the withdrawal of mechanical ventilation as a terminal illness event. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the existing evidence about processes for the compassionate withdrawal of mechanical ventilation from intensive care unit patients, including measures of distress, premedication, medication during withdrawal, withdrawal methods, extubation considerations, duration of survival, and relationship of opioids or benzodiazepines to duration of survival. Practice recommendations will be suggested.
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