The pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is multifactorial. One cause is ventilatorinduced lung injury (VILI). Experimental studies show that the magnitude of volutrauma is more closely associated with ventilator-induced lung injury rather than end-inspiratory pressure. The volume guarantee (VG) mode, studied most thoroughly, provides automatic weaning of peak pressure in response to improving lung compliance and respiratory effort. A more consistent tidal volume, fewer excessively large breaths, lower peak pressure, less hypocarbia and lower levels of inflammatory cytokines have been documented. These short-term benefits translate into a shorter duration of ventilation.