Inspiratory muscle training to enhance weaning from mechanical ventilation.

This report describes the use of specific inspiratory muscle training to enhance weaning from mechanical ventilation in a patient who had failed conventional weaning strategies. A 79-year-old man remained ventilator-dependent 17 days following laparotomy. A program of daily inspiratory muscle training was initiated. The mean training threshold increased progressively during the program and simultaneously the periods of unassisted breathing achieved gradually increased. By day 27, mechanical ventilation was no longer required. Inspiratory muscle training can be implemented effectively in the difficult to wean patient and should be considered for patients who have failed conventional weaning strategies.