What is the goal of tidal volume management in ARDS?

The goal of tidal volume management in ARDS is primarily to achieve lung protective ventilation. In the context of ARDS, lung protective ventilation aims to minimize further lung injury while providing adequate gas exchange. This approach involves using lower tidal volumes, typically around 4-8 mL/kg of predicted body weight, which helps prevent over-distension of alveoli and reduces the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury.

By limiting tidal volume, clinicians can reduce the peak airway pressure and the stress on lung tissues, ultimately promoting more uniform ventilation and improving overall outcomes in ARDS patients. It is essential to balance adequate ventilation with minimizing harm, which makes lung protective strategies a cornerstone of ARDS management.

Although factors like respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and sedation are important considerations in mechanical ventilation, they are secondary to the primary objective of lung protective strategies in ARDS management.