Is the mechanical power the final word on ventilator-induced lung injury?—we are not sure

It may be hard to argue against the thesis that mechanical ventilation represents one of the most important treatments ever introduced in the care of patients with respiratory failure. Similarly to other supportive measures adopted in intensive care (e.g., renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal supports, etc.), mechanical ventilation—replacing partially or totally the insufficient respiratory muscles—“buys time” until a causal therapy (if available) becomes effective, the lung heals and the patient recuperates respiratory and breathing autonomy.