Der Anaesthesist
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The endotracheal tube (ETT) is a considerably flow-dependent and, therefore, variable mechanical load. Conventional modes of respiratory support cannot adequately compensate for the tube resistance in inspiratorion and not at all in expiration. Automatic tube compensation (ATC) compensates for the flow-dependent pressure drop across the tracheal tube by a positive pressure support in inspiration and by a negative pressure support in expiration. ⋯ In addition, successful extubation could be better predicted with this mode in difficult-to-wean patients compared to other modes. There are no special rules in the clinical application of ATC. However, to prevent overassist the support level of the ventilatory mode which is combined with ATC should be reduced.