Protocol-directed weaning from mechanical ventilation: clinical outcome in patients randomized for a 30-min or 120-min trial with pressure support ventilation.

Objective: To investigate the possibility of successful extubation performing a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in pressure support ventilation (PSV) with target durations of 30 and 120 min.

Design And Setting: Prospective and randomized study in two medical-surgical adult intensive care units.

Patients And Participants: 98 adult patients supported by mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h and considered ready for a weaning trial.