Tidal Volume Modulation Through Inspiratory Time Adjustment in Pressure Control Mode

In pressure control mode, tidal volume is influenced by factors such as the set pressure level, the patient’s inspiratory effort, lung compliance, and airway resistance. The area under the flow-time scalar represents the tidal volume delivered. In this scenario, inspiration ends before the flow returns to baseline. If the patient is passive and respiratory mechanics remain unchanged, tidal volume can be increased—without altering the pressure setting—by extending the inspiratory time to allow flow to reach baseline. Here, inspiratory time was effectively increased by reducing the respiratory rate, resulting in a tidal volume of 370 ml (70 ml gain in tidal volume).