Association between rectus femoris cross-sectional area and diaphragmatic excursion with weaning of tracheostomized patients in the intensive care unit.

Objective: To verify the relationship between the rectus femoris cross-sectional area and diaphragmatic excursion with successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in chronic critically tracheostomized patients.

Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study. We included chronic critically ill patients (those who underwent tracheostomy placement after 10 days under mechanical ventilation).