Optimizing Mechanical Ventilation Strategies in ARDS: The Role of Driving Pressure and Low Tidal Volume Ventilation

Importance: Mechanical ventilation is indispensable for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), yet suboptimal ventilator settings can exacerbate lung injury. There is growing evidence that lung-protective ventilation strategies reduce ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and improve outcomes. Understanding the role of key parameters, such as driving pressure and tidal volume, is essential for optimizing patient care. Observations: This narrative review synthesizes the evidence underpinning the evolution of lung-protective ventilation strategies in ARDS, focusing on the importance of low tidal volume ventilation and the monitoring of driving pressure. A targeted literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science up to April 2025, focusing on adult ARDS. Original research studies (randomized controlled trials, retrospective and prospective cohort studies) and meta-analyses published in English were included. Conclusions and Relevance: Evidence supports adopting lung-protective strategies, including low tidal volume ventilation and careful driving pressure monitoring, to reduce VILI and improve survival in ARDS patients. By integrating these evidence-based principles into mechanical ventilation management, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes, reduce iatrogenic harm, and advance the overall quality of ARDS care.