[Lung protective ventilation in ARDS].

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most essential cornerstones of intensive care therapy. Although of pivotal importance for many patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency MV itself may further induce pathophysiological processes due to the mechanical stress exerted on the lungs. Particularly during one of the most distinctive forms of acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a tremendous impairment of the lungs occurs characterized by heterogeneous damage where normally aerated areas coexist with consolidated and collapsed areas. Although MV is necessary for the treatment of severe hypoxemia it causes damage not only in the lungs but also in other organs due to a secondary inflammatory process in the lungs. To reduce these reactions an evidence-based concept of lung protective ventilation is essential.