Medicine
Diaphragm Ultrasound to Predict Ventilator Weaning Success
Quick fact
Studies show that diaphragm thickening fraction above 30-36% during a breathing trial predicts successful extubation with over 80% accuracy.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a patient on a ventilator finally ready to breathe on their own—but how can doctors be sure? Ultrasound of the diaphragm, a muscle most people never think about, may hold the answer.