Lung ultrasound: a useful tool in the weaning process?

The incidence of pulmonary complications related to mechanical ventilation is an important issue among critically ill patients. Reducing the duration of respiratory support is essential for minimizing these complications. The extubation of a patient marks the end of the weaning process. Unfortunately, even after a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), approximately 30% of patients develop respiratory distress within 48 hours of extubation; this results in extubation failure and requires either therapeutic non-invasive ventilation or reintubation.