European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Objective: This study aims to study the effect of prolonged mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic functionand to review current knowledge about the impact of prolonged mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic function and biology. to study the role of the advantage of early weaning off decisions resulting in improved patientoutcomes. Methods: Polytrauma in-patients in the Department of Surgery, MGMMC, Indore, on mechanical ventilation. These patients were assessed for diaphragmatic thickness and excursion through ultrasonography. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study period of 1 year. Out of these, 36 patients were discharged and 64 died due to mechanical ventilation for longer duration.  Conclusion: Though ventilator support is lifesaving, it should be used precautionarily, and intermittent ventilator support is much prognostically better in terms of the outcome when compared to controlled ventilation.