🫁 Lung-Protective Tidal Volume
Calculates a lung-protective tidal volume from ideal body weight (IBW) for mechanically ventilated patients, the cornerstone of preventing ventilator-induced lung injury.
Tidal volume is set by ideal — not actual — body weight, because lung size tracks height, not adiposity; using actual weight in obesity causes dangerous over-distension. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
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When to use
Enter height and sex; the tool computes IBW and the 6 mL/kg target with the 4–8 mL/kg range. Set the ventilator to the target, then titrate within range while watching plateau and driving pressure.
How it works
IBW(kg) = (male 50 / female 45.5) + 2.3 × (height_inches − 60). Target Vt = 6 mL/kg IBW; permissible range 4–8 mL/kg IBW.
Key points
- Tidal volume is set by ideal — not actual — body weight, because lung size tracks height, not adiposity; using actual weight in obesity causes dangerous over-distension. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- Pair the volume target with plateau pressure ≤ 30 cmH₂O and driving pressure preferably < 15 cmH₂O; lower the volume if these ceilings are exceeded.
- Permissive hypercapnia is generally acceptable to keep the lung protective; combine with an appropriate PEEP strategy.
References
- ARDS Network. Ventilation with lower tidal volumes for ARDS. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(18):1301-1308.
- Grasselli G, et al. ESICM guidelines on ARDS. Intensive Care Med. 2023;49(7):727-759.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Height | 170 cm |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
→Target tidal volume (6 mL/kg)396mL
- Ideal body weight IBW：65.9 kg
- Range (4–8 mL/kg)：264 ~ 527 mL
| Height | 170 cm |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
→Target tidal volume (6 mL/kg)369mL
- Ideal body weight IBW：61.4 kg
- Range (4–8 mL/kg)：246 ~ 491 mL
Frequently asked questions
- What is Lung-Protective Tidal Volume?
- Calculates a lung-protective tidal volume from ideal body weight (IBW) for mechanically ventilated patients, the cornerstone of preventing ventilator-induced lung injury.
- How is Lung-Protective Tidal Volume calculated? What is the core formula?
- IBW(kg) = (male 50 / female 45.5) + 2.3 × (height_inches − 60). Target Vt = 6 mL/kg IBW; permissible range 4–8 mL/kg IBW.
- When is Lung-Protective Tidal Volume used?
- Enter height and sex; the tool computes IBW and the 6 mL/kg target with the 4–8 mL/kg range. Set the ventilator to the target, then titrate within range while watching plateau and driving pressure.
- What are the key clinical points for Lung-Protective Tidal Volume?
- Tidal volume is set by ideal — not actual — body weight, because lung size tracks height, not adiposity; using actual weight in obesity causes dangerous over-distension. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim) Pair the volume target with plateau pressure ≤ 30 cmH₂O and driving pressure preferably < 15 cmH₂O; lower the volume if these ceilings are exceeded. Permissive hypercapnia is generally acceptable to keep the lung protective; combine with an appropriate PEEP strategy.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Lung-Protective Tidal Volume?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Lung-Protective Tidal Volume calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Height 170 cm, Sex Male → Result: Target tidal volume (6 mL/kg) 396 mL（Ideal body weight IBW: 65.9 kg, Range (4–8 mL/kg): 264 ~ 527 mL） Inputs: Height 170 cm, Sex Female → Result: Target tidal volume (6 mL/kg) 369 mL（Ideal body weight IBW: 61.4 kg, Range (4–8 mL/kg): 246 ~ 491 mL）