🫁 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.
Lung-Protective Tidal Volume
Height (cm)
Sex
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.
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.