When weaning a patient off a ventilator, which mode is often employed?

Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is frequently utilized when weaning a patient off a ventilator due to its benefits in supporting the patient's own breathing efforts while reducing the work of breathing. PSV delivers a preset level of pressure during spontaneous breaths, which helps to enhance tidal volume without forcing the patient to take a certain volume of air, allowing for a more natural breathing pattern. This mode encourages respiratory muscle strength and can provide adequate support until the patient is fully capable of maintaining effective ventilation autonomously.

In practice, this approach aids in assessing the patient's readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation, as it allows for gradual reduction in support. As patients become more comfortable and proficient in maintaining their own respiratory effort, clinicians can adjust the level of pressure support or transition to other modes that provide less support.