Neural Pressure Support, Synchrony and Respiratory Muscle Unloading

This study is an interventional randomized crossover study in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients for more than 24h. Eligible patients from whom informed consent is obtained and Pes and Edi catheter are successfully positioned are enrolled in the study. Patients will be ventilated in Pressure Support and Neural Pressure Support at three different level of assist (baseline, 50% and 150% of baseline respectively) in randomized order. Ventilator curves will be recorded and bloodgas obtained at the end of each study step, each lasting 20min.