Decannulation criteria in patients with acquired brain injury based on interval forced vital capacity monitoring: a prospective observational study - Report - MDSpire

Decannulation criteria in patients with acquired brain injury based on interval forced vital capacity monitoring: a prospective observational study

  • By

  • Yunhong Deng

  • Fuqiang Wang

  • Yaojiang Li

  • Jinfeng Liang

  • Hanbo Chen

  • Wenying Xie

  • Bizhou Fu

  • Man Hao

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Criteria for Decannulation in Tracheostomized Patients with Acquired Brain Injury

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and successful decannulation in tracheostomized patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). A significant finding is that an increase in FVC of 1 L is associated with a reduction of 8.7 days to decannulation, with a notable threshold effect at a ΔFVC of 0.52 L.

Background

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of disability and mortality, often necessitating tracheostomy due to respiratory failure. Determining the optimal timing for decannulation is crucial, as both premature and delayed decannulation can lead to serious complications. Current practices lack standardized physiological criteria.

Data Highlights

MeasureResult
Mean Age51.0 ± 7.6 years
Male Percentage55.4%
ΔFVC Association with Decannulation Time8.7 days shorter per 1-L increase
Threshold for ΔFVC0.52 L

Key Findings

  • 56 patients with ABI were enrolled in the study.
  • Each 1-L increase in ΔFVC was associated with a reduction of 8.7 days to successful decannulation.
  • A significant threshold effect was observed at ΔFVC = 0.52 L.
  • Below the threshold, the association was stronger (β = -13.616 days/L).
  • Above the threshold, the association was non-significant (β = -2.244 days/L).

Clinical Implications

Interval monitoring of FVC may provide a valuable tool in assessing decannulation readiness in patients with ABI. The identified threshold of ΔFVC = 0.52 L could serve as a reference point for initiating comprehensive evaluations for decannulation.

Conclusion

The study suggests that FVC monitoring can aid in determining decannulation timing in tracheostomized patients with ABI, particularly with the identified threshold for ΔFVC.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- A stepwise decannulation pathway for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after brain injury: a retrospective feasibility study
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Bronchoscopy-Guided Non-Capping Decannulation Pathway Versus Conventional Capping Trial in Patients with Prolonged Tracheostomy: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Establishment and evaluation of a predictive scoring system for successful decannulation of tracheostomy in neurosurgery patients
  4. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Dyspnea is related to clinical outcomes in patients weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy: a multicenter prospective study
  5. Expert consensus–based clinical practice guidelines for Care and weaning procedures in tracheostomized ICU patients after invasive mechanical ventilation: a joint statement by the Intensive Care Physiotherapy Society (SKR) and the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF) - PMC
  6. Decannulation ahead: a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic framework for tracheotomized neurological patients | Neurological Research and Practice | Springer Nature Link
  7. Frontiers | Decannulation criteria in patients with acquired brain injury based on interval forced vital capacity monitoring: a prospective observational study
  8. Expert consensus–based clinical practice guidelines for Care and weaning procedures in tracheostomized ICU patients after invasive mechanical ventilation: a joint statement by the Intensive Care Physiotherapy Society (SKR) and the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF) - PMC
  9. Decannulation ahead: a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic framework for tracheotomized neurological patients | Neurological Research and Practice | Springer Nature Link
  10. Frontiers | Decannulation criteria in patients with acquired brain injury based on interval forced vital capacity monitoring: a prospective observational study

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