The tidal volume fix?

Prior to publication of the ARDSNet trial of tidal volumes (VT) (1), traditional mechanical ventilation often employed VT of 10–15 mL/kg of unadjusted body weight. While these volumes had long been noted to exceed those of healthy subjects [who usually breathe at 6–8 mL/kg of predicted body weight (PBW)], they were considered necessary for intubated and mechanically ventilated patients to prevent progressive atelectasis, avoid dyspnea and maintain appropriate ventilation.