Dr Maria Torrens, a researcher in the Intensive Care Medicine research group at the Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau) and an intensivist at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sant Pau Hospital, has been honoured with one of the research grants awarded by the Spanish Society of Intensive Care, Critical Care and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC). This grant, worth €10,000, acknowledges the scientific and clinical value of the research project titled “Quantification of systemic congestion using ultrasonography as a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation”. The project is coordinated by Dr Lluís Zapata and Dr Carles Subirà, members of the same Intensive Care Medicine research group.
The term weaning refers to the gradual process of disconnecting a patient from mechanical ventilation, with the goal of restoring independent breathing capacity. This is a critical moment in the management of patients who have required ventilatory support, as failure in this process can lead to significant complications and prolonged ICU stays.
This prospective, observational, and multicentre study primarily aims to identify, through ultrasound, patients at risk of failing the disconnection from mechanical ventilation before initiating spontaneous breathing trials. Ultrasound evaluation of systemic venous congestion is presented as an innovative, non-invasive tool that could significantly enhance the weaning process, reducing dependency on mechanical ventilation and thereby improving the prognosis for critically ill patients.
The awarding of this grant highlights the clinical research excellence at IR Sant Pau and its commitment to innovation as a fundamental pillar of progress in intensive care medicine. These recognitions strengthen the institute’s dedication to generating scientific knowledge that directly contributes to better patient care.
We at IR Sant Pau extend our congratulations to Dr Maria Torrens and her team for this achievement and their contribution to advancing high-impact clinical research projects. We will continue to support the efforts of our professionals to remain at the forefront of biomedical research in service of society.
