Weaning Index

The Weaning Index is a medical measurement used to assess if a patient on mechanical ventilation can breathe independently. It compares the patient’s breathing effort to their oxygen levels, helping healthcare providers decide if they are ready to be taken off the ventilator. Specifically, it looks at how much effort the patient needs to breathe relative to the oxygen in their blood. A lower index suggests the patient is stronger and more likely to succeed in breathing on their own, while a higher index indicates they may need more support. This helps ensure safe and timely weaning from ventilator support.