Terminal weaning from ventilatory support represents on of the possible techniques of complex withdrawing of therapy in patients with irreversible failure of vital functions. In the period from January 1, 1999 to June 1, 2000 mechanical ventilation was withdrawn in 15 patients with terminal illnesses; all patients from the group died. In ten patients, withdrawing of ventilatory support was done by terminal disconnection from the ventilator, in five patients ventilatory support was gradually decreased without terminal extubation. Analgosedation was used in eight patients, no muscle relaxants were used. The mean period of ventilatory support withdrawal until the pronounciation of death was 243 minutes. The detailed information on ventilatory support withdrawal as a part of the process of organ functions supporting measures withdrawal was given to the family in five cases. Ventilatory support withdrawal is medically accepted management in appropriate cases. This is in accordance with ethical principles of current practice of medicine, as well as with current legislation on health care provision.

        Key words: intensive care – mechanical ventilation – weaning from ventilatory support – ethical principles – legislation