In mechanically ventilated patients, the use of carefully adjusted positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) and low tidal volumes (6 mL/kg of predicted body weight or less for each machine-generated breath) to reduce the risk of lung injury. Higher tidal volumes have been consistently associated with increased mortality in patients with acute lung injuries and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Var. lung protection.
SYN: SEE: lung-protective ventilatory mechanical ventilation