Ventilator-Induced Lung Liquid and Alveolar Rupture

Ventilation is an essential function of life, and one of the first to be replicated by artificial means. Annually, it is estimated that 15 to 20 million patients worldwide are intubated and receive invasive mechanical ventilation (MV). However, MV is a non-physiologic intervention and frequent complications are associated with its use, including extravascular lung liquid, impaired cardiac performance, and alveolar rupture. Research shows that injurious MV can cause or aggravate lung damage and initiate an intense inflammatory response, contributing to multiple organ dysfunction and poor outcomes due to ventilator-induced lung liquid and intense alveolar rupture. In this brief commentary, we postulate that this resulting injury is better characterized with the term “ventilator-induced lung liquid and alveolar rupture”. We will summarize key points for clinical implications, existing challenges, and future perspectives for the management of patients with severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.