RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Weaning from mechanical ventilation JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 1033 OP 1056 DO 10.1183/09031936.00010206 VO 29 IS 5 A1 J-M. Boles A1 J. Bion A1 A. Connors A1 M. Herridge A1 B. Marsh A1 C. Melot A1 R. Pearl A1 H. Silverman A1 M. Stanchina A1 A. Vieillard-Baron A1 T. Welte YR 2007 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/29/5/1033.abstract AB Weaning covers the entire process of liberating the patient from mechanical support and from the endotracheal tube. Many controversial questions remain concerning the best methods for conducting this process. An International Consensus Conference was held in April 2005 to provide recommendations regarding the management of this process. An 11-member international jury answered five pre-defined questions. 1) What is known about the epidemiology of weaning problems? 2) What is the pathophysiology of weaning failure? 3) What is the usual process of initial weaning from the ventilator? 4) Is there a role for different ventilator modes in more difficult weaning? 5) How should patients with prolonged weaning failure be managed? The main recommendations were as follows. 1) Patients should be categorised into three groups based on the difficulty and duration of the weaning process. 2) Weaning should be considered as early as possible. 3) A spontaneous breathing trial is the major diagnostic test to determine whether patients can be successfully extubated. 4) The initial trial should last 30 min and consist of either T-tube breathing or low levels of pressure support. 5) Pressure support or assist–control ventilation modes should be favoured in patients failing an initial trial/trials. 6) Noninvasive ventilation techniques should be considered in selected patients to shorten the duration of intubation but should not be routinely used as a tool for extubation failure.