Two methods of weaning persons with quadriplegia from mechanical ventilators

Two commonly-used methods of weaning individuals with quadriplegia from mechanical ventilators were compared. The medical records were reviewed of 52 patients who were injured at the C3 or C4 levels, were ventilator dependent following their injury, and were treated at the participating facilities. The study subjects had a total of 82 separate wean attempts: 26 utilized intermittent mandatory ventilation, 34 used progressive ventilator-free breathing (T-piece weaning) and 22 used either a combination of these approaches or a different approach. With an overall weaning success rate of 83%, this study demonstrated that individuals with C3 and C4 quadriplegia are indeed candidates for ventilator weaning. Comparing the two weaning methods, progressive ventilator-free breathing was found to be successful more often than intermittent mandatory ventilation (67.6% compared to 34.6%). In addition, progressive ventilator-free breathing appeared superior in its ability to provide a more functional alternative to individuals unable to wean completely.