PROFLOW

a series dedicated to investigate the impact of FCV in various surgical settings under the umbrella of the PROVE Network

The PROVE Network, established in 2014, is dedicated to advancing knowledge in mechanical ventilation through multicenter clinical studies across diverse settings, with a focus on improving patient care and safety in both operating rooms and intensive care units. Building on this foundation, the network is now pursuing a new path exploring the potential of flow-controlled ventilation (FCV).

FCV is a newer mode of mechanical ventilation that delivers a constant, continuous gas flow during both inspiration and expiration. Unlike conventional methods that regulate pressure or volume, FCV controls the flow itself. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing ventilator-induced lung injury, enhancing gas exchange, and enabling precise, individualized lung management through pressure–volume loop measurements. By ensuring uninterrupted flow and steady pressure changes—especially the controlled decrease during expiration—FCV may enhance lung recruitment and lower pulmonary complications, representing a promising step toward safer and more effective ventilation strategies.