Addition Of Ultrasound Guided Excursion Time Index To Conventional Weaning Criteria Vs Conventional Weaning Criteria Alone For Extubation In ICU Patients -A Comparative Study

Introduction: Ventilator weaning is an essential step in the care of ICU patients, involving the gradual removal of mechanical ventilatory support. Determining the correct timing for extubation in mechanically ventilated patients is a significant challenge for intensivists. If USG-guided ETI proves to be superior to conventional weaning criteria, it could enhance patient outcomes by reducing the incidence of failed extubations, minimizing the need for reintubation, and shortening ICU length of stay. Therefore, comparing these two approaches is crucial for advancing our understanding of extubation readiness and optimizing the care of ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Aims and Objectives: Aim of the study is to Compare USG guided excursion time index alongwith conventional weaning criteria for successful extubation in ICU patients. Objective of the study is to determine if USG-guided excursion time index can aid in successful ICU weaning and to compare extubation success rates using this index alongside conventional weaning criteria versus conventional criteria alone.

Methodology: The study is proposed to be conducted from July 2024 to December 2025 at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar. It will focus on critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and supposed ready for weaning in the intensive care unit. Mechanically ventilated patients will be randomly divided into two groups. Group A will be extubated using conventional weaning criteria and Group B will be extubated using conventional weaning criteria along with USG guided excursion time index.

Outcome/Significance:. Both groups will be compared for extubation success and extubation failure, defined as patients reintubated within 48 hours. Primary Outcome of the study will be to assess whether the diaphragm ultrasound-based ETI can be used as an additional parameter in the weaning process.