- The document discusses various parameters and criteria used to determine when a patient can be safely disconnected from mechanical ventilation, including respiratory muscle strength, gas exchange, respiratory rate and volume. - Common methods for gradually weaning a patient from mechanical ventilation are described, such as a T-piece trial, pressure support ventilation, and gradually decreasing the rate of support on SIMV. - Failure criteria are outlined, including rapid shallow breathing, increased heart rate or blood pressure, distress signs. Determining the cause of failure and correcting it is important before subsequent weaning trials.