In patients with ARDS, which mechanical ventilation mode is often preferred?

In patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), pressure-controlled ventilation is often preferred due to its ability to limit the peak airway pressure while ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation. This mode provides a set pressure during inspiration, which helps prevent barotrauma and volutrauma that can occur with high tidal volumes commonly seen in volume-controlled modes.

Patients with ARDS typically have stiff, non-compliant lungs, and using pressure-controlled ventilation allows for better management of these mechanical properties. It helps to deliver a safe and effective tidal volume while minimizing the risk of overdistention of the alveoli. This mode provides greater flexibility in adjusting the pressure setting based on the patient’s responses and can improve oxygenation by recruiting collapsed lung units.

Additionally, pressure-controlled ventilation can facilitate better synchronization with the patient’s spontaneous efforts if they are able to breathe on their own, promoting a more natural breathing pattern which is essential for preventing further lung injury. This adaptability and protective strategy make pressure-controlled ventilation a preferred choice in managing ARDS patients.