Measurement of vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure as objective criteria for extubation after cardiac surgery
Michel, L.; McMichan, J.C.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica 32(3): 227-238
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5164 PMID: 7304122 Document Number: 170938
The decision to perform tracheal extubation in 44 post-cardiac surgery patients was based on an assessment of mental alertness, hemodynamic stability and adequacy of respiratory gas exchange. No patients required re-intubation. Concomitant measurements of vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure indicated the need for continuing mechanical ventilation, especially when recorded from patients extubated within 10 h of the completion of anesthesia. Assessment of vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure would have led to prolonged tracheal intubation in at least 1/3 of the patients.