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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
Is there a best way to set tidal volume for mechanical ventilatory support?
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Room 1120, Box 3911, Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710, USA. neil.macintyre@duke.edu
Abstract:
Tidal breaths are an important component of mechanical ventilation. However, an inappropriate tidal volume setting can overstretch and injure the lung. Maximal stretch, tidal stretch, frequency of stretch, and rate of stretch are all implicated in such injury. Clinical trials have shown that limiting maximal and tidal stretch improves outcomes, even if gas exchange is partially compromised. Thus, current strategies should focus on limiting tidal and maximal stretch as much as possible.
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