“Extubation failure, defined as the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after removal of the artificial airway and need for reintubation within 24–72 h or up to 7 days, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, as well as long term disability. Many studies have attempted to identify risk factors for extubation failure in order to prevent it. Nevertheless, the incidence of extubation failure in intensive care units (ICUs) remains quite high in the literature, between 10% within 48 h and 15% within 7 days.”