Mechanical ventilation is indeed a lifesaving intervention.  However, it is clear that positive pressure ventilation itself has the potential to cause harm.  Novel approaches to ventilation aim to minimise this risk, and one such strategy is the incorporation of oesophageal pressure monitoring.

Tai Pham is a staff intensivist in Paris and an assistant professor at Paris Saclay university.  He completed a PhD in public health where he focussed on respiratory physiology and mechanical ventilation, and is a member of the executive committees for Lung Safe and Wean Safe studies.