Flow control ventilation is an innovative technique of mechanical ventilation with a potentially lung protective characteristics.

The constant inspiratory and expiratory flow, no ventilation pauses, and inspiration to expiration ratio 1:1 stand behind the idea of minimalization of dissipated energy in the lung.

What is more, precise intratracheal pressure measurements enable deep insight into the respiratory mechanics.

Preclinical data show attenuated lung injury, increased lung aeration, oxygenation, and gas exchange when flow control ventilation is applied to artificially injured porcine lung compared to conventional modes.

The feasibility and safety of flow control ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in humans is proven in a small number of trials.

Some authors highlight the necessity to individualize ventilation to enhance possible benefits by identifying optimal positive end expiratory pressure and peak inspiratory pressure.

The position of this ventilation mode in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome remains to be seen as more reliable data will be presented in literature.

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