Estimation of the Diaphragm Electrical Activity and Intercostal Thickening Fraction During Different Pattern of Mechanical Ventilation: PSV Versus NAVA

the introduction of new MV modalities has shown promising results in reducing the incidence of weaning failure, mainly due to a more physiologic approach which allows respiratory muscle preservation. Among them, the Neurally Adjust Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) seemed to be associated with lower incidence of weaning failure and subsequent duration of mechanical ventilation, compared to standard modalities like the Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) . Moreover, NAVA allows the evaluation of the diaphragm electrical activity (EAdi), an index of diaphragmatic neural respiratory drive. However, no study has compared TFic values during PSV and NAVA modalities in patients with difficult weaning from MV admitted in ICU.