Use of automatic tube compensation (ATC) for weaning from mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure

Abstract

Aim of study: To evaluate the automatic tube compensation (ATC) as a method of weaning from mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure in comparison to pressure support volume (PSV). Patients and methods: 60 patients with, acute respiratory failure were enrolled in this study. Patients who met the criteria of weaning had one hour of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) either with ATC (n = 35) or with PSV (n = 25). Patients who passed the weaning trial were extubated and put on oxygen, while others who didn’t pass were put back on mechanical ventilation. Results: The SBT in the 60 enrolled patients weaning was successful in 35 patients (58.3%). 20 of the 35 patients (57.1%) who underwent ATC had successful weaning, and 15 out of the 25 patients (60%) who underwent PSV had also successful weaning. The difference had no statistical significance (p = 0.7). Sensitivity of 80.36% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90.14% and a specificity of 79.63% with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 81.25% were shown in ATC, while PSV showed a sensitivity of 76.35% with a PPV of 88.63% and a specificity of 80.36% with a NPV of 71.4%. ATC was superior to PSV regarding PaO2/FIO2 ratio, oxygen saturation, oxygen tension, dynamic compliance and airway resistance. Conclusion: ATC is a useful mode of weaning in patients mechanically ventilated due to acute respiratory failure.

Keywords

• Acute respiratory failure
• Automatic tube compensation (ATC)
• Pressure support ventilation (PSV)
• Weaning
• Mechanical ventilation