Diaphragm-protective mechanical ventilation

Purpose of review Diaphragm dysfunction is common in mechanically ventilated patients and predisposes them to prolonged ventilator dependence and poor clinical outcomes. Mechanical ventilation is a major cause of diaphragm dysfunction in these patients, raising the possibility that diaphragm dysfunction might be prevented if mechanical ventilation can be optimized to avoid diaphragm injury – a concept referred to as diaphragm-protective ventilation. This review surveys the evidence supporting the concept of diaphragm-protective ventilation and introduces potential routes and challenges to pursuing this strategy. Recent findings Mechanical ventilation can cause diaphragm injury (myotrauma) by a variety of mechanisms. An understanding of these various mechanisms raises the possibility of a new approach to ventilatory management, a diaphragm-protective ventilation strategy. Deranged inspiratory effort is the main mediator of diaphragmatic myotrauma; titrating ventilation to maintain an optimal level of inspiratory effort may help to limit diaphragm dysfunction and accelerate liberation of mechanical ventilation. Summary Mechanical ventilation can cause diaphragm injury and weakness. A novel diaphragm-protective ventilation strategy, avoiding the harmful effects of both excessive and insufficient inspiratory effort, has the potential to substantially improve outcomes for patients.