Table 1
Comparison between pressure and volume-targeted ventilators
| Volume-targeted | Pressure-targeted | |
| Pressure curve pattern |  |  |
| Flow curve pattern |  |  |
| Type of ventilatory assistance delivered | Fixed volume in spite of changing resistance (R) and compliance (C) | Fixed pressure. Tidal volume may vary with changes in C and R |
| Controlled variable | Maintains a constant inspiratory preset flow | Maintains a constant inspiratory preset pressure |
| Breath-to-breath adjustments | Not possible: ventilator delivers a fixed assistance | Possible: flow and volume can be varied in a breath-to-breath basis |
| Possibility to guarantee a fixed delivered tidal volume | Yes (if no leaks) | No |
| Peak airway pressure | Not limited* | Limited (useful in patients at risk of barotrauma or gastric distension |
| Leak compensation | Poor, leaks may significantly reduce delivered volume and induce hypoventilation | Good for mild to moderate leaks |
↵* Except if pressure reaches predetermined high pressure security limit.