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.

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.

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