Fig. 1

Schematic depiction of elastic pressure (a) and intracycle power (b) as functions of inspiratory time (t_i) for the Pset flow profile at PEEP = 0 cmH₂O. Note that the concept illustrated here in generic form applies equally well to total intracycle power and to its driving elastic and dynamic elastic components. As the lung inflates, elastic pressure reaches a pressure threshold at time t_ep beyond which further increments of power have potential to contribute to damage. Although PEEP is assumed to be zero in this illustration for clarity, identical principles apply when PEEP is added