AARC 2025 Conference Preview for Mechanical Ventilation Sessions

Published: November 07, 2025

The 2025 annual meeting of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is scheduled for December 6 through December 9 in Phoenix, Arizona. The four-day conference is packed with more than 140 educational sessions, networking opportunities, and more.

Registration is currently open to members, non-members, students, and other specified groups.

Today’s preview focuses on one particular topic relevant to respiratory care: mechanical ventilation. Throughout the conference’s four days, and including one pre-conference event, there are many opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest strategies and innovations related to mechanical ventilation, so we compiled a list of sessions on the topic. The following is a rundown of scheduled sessions focusing on topics related to mechanical ventilation.

December 5

Pre-Conference Master Class – Mechanical Ventilation: Decoding Discordance Between the Patients and the Machine

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Description: This interactive workshop designed specifically for those seeking to elevate their expertise and appreciation of the complex dynamics of patient-ventilator interaction, while challenging the new-to-practice respiratory therapist to develop their comprehension. Participants will enhance their clinical skills through small-group exercises that deepen their understanding of the physiological basis for breath delivery and expiration.

December 6

A New Era of Surfactant Administration in Premature Neonates

12:40 PM – 1:15 PM
Description: Exogenous surfactant therapy has been standard practice in neonatal care for decades. In more recent years, methods to administer surfactants in less invasive ways have been developed with favorable outcomes. This lecture will discuss the various methods for surfactant administration, data to support best practices, and future opportunities for research for a vulnerable patient population.

An Overview of EIT Principles

12:40 PM – 1:15 PM
Description: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a new, non-invasive method for determining the distribution of ventilation and perfusion in a wide variety of patients. EIT offers an opportunity to look at regional changes in lung volumes as opposed to monitoring global airway pressures and volumes. Understanding the principle of operation is essential for interpretation.

The Role of EIT in Setting PEEP

1:25 PM – 2:00 PM
Description: Traditional setting of PEEP relies on global measures of airway pressures and hemodynamic response to choose optimum settings. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) allows the determination of PEEP by balancing areas of overdistension with areas of recruitment and collapse.

Assessing Recruitment Potential with EIT

2:10 PM – 2:45 PM
Description: Setting PEEP requires assessment of the recruitability of the lung. This can be accomplished using CT scan which includes risks of transport and is a snapshot or CXR. EIT offers an opportunity to monitor regional recruitment and balance overdistension with recruitment.

EIT Monitoring of Prone Positioning

2:55 PM – 3:30 PM
Description: Prone positioning has been shown to improve outcomes in moderate to severe ARDS. The primary mechanism is improved distribution of ventilation. However, not all patients respond to prone positioning and monitoring response is important. Importantly, some patients do not manifest improvements in ARDS but do demonstrate improved distribution of ventilation and perhaps a reduced risk of ventilator induced lung injury.

EIT Applications in Neonates and Pediatrics

3:40 PM – 4:15 PM
Description: Monitoring ventilation in neonates and pediatrics is complicated by patient size and exposure to radiation. The use of EIT in pediatrics is attractive for the non-invasive nature and insight into lung physiology. Applications of EIT in choosing ventilator settings will be described.

December 7

Ventilator Disconnects and Fluid Balance as Contributors to Lung Injury

8:30 AM – 9:05 AM
Description: This session explores the dual impact of ventilator disconnections and fluid administration on the development and progression of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Attendees will learn how these factors contribute to atelectrauma and pulmonary edema and gain insights into strategies to mitigate their effects.

Airway Closure: Underestimated and Misinterpreted

9:15 AM – 9:50 AM
Description: This talk sheds light on the often overlooked phenomenon of airway closure and its potential role in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Attendees will gain insight into the potential mechanisms behind airway closure and how to determine airway opening pressure.

Pendelluft: Physiologic or Injurious Phenomenon?

10:00 AM – 10:35 AM
Description: This presentation focuses on the increased understanding of pendelluft as a physiological phenomenon and potential contributor to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Attendees will explore the physiological underpinnings, implications of these phenomena, and strategies to mitigate their effects in mechanically ventilated patients.

Open Forum #5 – Mechanical Ventilation Part 1

12:00 PM – 1:55 PM
Description: Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Neonatal Mechanical Ventilation

1:30 PM – 2:05 PM
Description: Neonatal mechanical ventilation requires careful application and sophisticated monitoring to assure safety and efficacy. This presentation will discuss the most important papers regarding advances in neonatal mechanical ventilation in the last year.

Mechanical Power Impact on Mechanical Ventilation

4:45 PM – 5:20 PM
Description: This presentation will discuss the research published in the last year related to the measurement and impact of mechanical power during mechanical ventilation.

Implementation Science in Mechanical Ventilation

2:15 PM – 3:05 PM
Description: Implementation science is a field that promotes the incorporation of evidence-based treatments and interventions into real-world practice to improve patient outcomes. It focuses on identifying and addressing barriers to adoption, integration, and maintenance of effective practices, aiming to bridge the gap between what has been demonstrated to improve outcomes versus what is commonly practiced at the bedside. A prime example is the use of lung protective tidal volumes in ARDS. This presentation will highlight the role of implementation science in the safe and effective delivery of mechanical ventilation.

Patient Ventilator Assessment and Spontaneous Breathing Trials – Part Two

4:00 PM – 4:35 PM
Description: Clinicians assess patients requiring mechanical ventilation at regular intervals as part of a patient-ventilator assessment (PVA). In addition, spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) facilitate liberation from mechanical ventilation and are an important clinical tool. The first half of this presentation will review the evidence and final recommendations for PVA implementation. This includes ventilator synchrony, dyspnea, distress, alarms, and graphics. The second half will review evidence for SBTs in facilitating liberation from mechanical ventilation. The evidence discussed includes criteria needed to perform SBTs, duration of SBTs, the use of rest settings, delaying extubation if decreased mental status is present, and the use of NIV and HFNC to screen for extubation failure.

Open Forum #7 – Mechanical Ventilation Part 2

3:15 PM – 5:10 PM
Description: Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Clinical Implications of Heart-lung Interaction During MV

4:00 PM – 4:35 PM
Description: The interplay of respiratory and cardiovascular physiology in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation is complex but crucial as it may guide the clinician’s therapeutic decisions and, possibly, affect patient outcome. This presentation will provide an overview of the concepts of heart-lung interactions during mechanical ventilation and the effects of positive pressure ventilation on preload and afterload of the right and left ventricular as well as pulmonary vascular resistance.

December 8

Pro/Con: Aerosolized Hypertonic Saline for All Mechanically Ventilated Patients

10:40 AM – 11:15 AM
Description: Hypertonic saline (HTS) has long been used to induce sputum in non-ventilated subjects. In recent years, 3%, then 7% and now 10% HTS is routinely used as a wetting agent or semi-mucolytic in all ventilated patients. Does the evidence support routine use and is this practice justified? HTS is inexpensive, safe and has few contraindications, its use is easily justified.

The Potential Role of PEEP in Ventilator Weaning and Liberation

11:25 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: In critically ill patients, the method for determining the optimal level of PEEP limits intratidal decruitment and provides the best oxygenation and compliance, while avoiding hemodynamic compromise, is elusive and debated. Another potential indication and clinical goal for the personalization of PEEP may be to positively affect spontaneous breathing and the ventilator liberation process. This presentation will discuss the evidence and potential ways in which PEEP may be adjusted to impact spontaneous breathing and liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Challenges in the Transition from Passive to Assisted Ventilation

3:00 PM – 3:35 PM
Description: This session addresses the complexities involved in transitioning patients from passive mechanical ventilation to assisted modes. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the physiological, technical, and patient-centered challenges and learn strategies to overcome these barriers to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Personalized Weaning Strategies

3:45 PM – 4:20 PM
Description: Weaning from mechanical ventilation in the acute care setting can present unique physiological and psychological challenges for certain patient populations, often resulting in prolonged and complex weaning that require organizational coordination of care. This lecture will focus on the barriers to successful weaning and tailored interventions to evidence-based approaches involved in weaning patients with COPD, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, and patients with prolonged or long-term weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Pro/Con: Precision Ventilation in CPR: Essential Priority or Needless Distraction?

4:30 PM – 5:05 PM
Description: This debate addresses a crucial question in resuscitation science: Should precision ventilation during CPR be a top priority, or does it risk overcomplicating an already high-stakes intervention? Can tailoring ventilation improve outcomes such as time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and mortality? Or does it lead to cognitive overload, distractions from critical tasks, and over-reliance on technology, where mastering the basics may be more effective than adding layers of complexity?

December 9

Inhaled Sedation in the ICU: A Practical Approach for Ventilated Patients

9:15 AM – 9:50 AM
Description: Inhaled sedation has emerged as a viable alternative to intravenous sedation in the management of critically ill patients in the ICU. Recent studies suggest that inhaled sedatives like isoflurane and sevoflurane may offer advantages in specific contexts, including faster weaning from mechanical ventilation and reduced systemic side effects. However, logistical challenges, training, and the limited availability of specialized equipment remain barriers to widespread adoption. Emerging evidence on inhaled sedation, along with practical applications and considerations pertinent to respiratory care will be discussed.

Pro/Con: HFV vs. CMV in Pediatric ARDS

10:00 AM – 10:35 AM
Description: This pro/con will present the argument for and against the use of high frequency ventilation versus conventional mechanical ventilation for children with ARDS. Clinical evidence will be evaluated to explore potential benefits and pitfalls to choosing a targeted ventilatory strategy.

Personalizing Ventilation in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients

10:00 AM – 10:35 AM
Description: Post-cardiac arrest syndrome presents complex challenges, requiring a delicate balance of ventilatory support to optimize gas exchange, protect the lungs, and safeguard neurological function. This lecture explores evidence-based strategies for personalizing mechanical ventilation in post-cardiac arrest patients, integrating principles of lung-protective ventilation, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide management.

Non-Conventional Mechanical Ventilation in Neo/Peds, What Really Matters?

10:45 AM – 11:20 AM
Description: Conventional mechanical ventilation is still a cornerstone of therapy in many ICUs. However, there are also many non-conventional forms of mechanical ventilation that have been developed and proposed to help mitigate the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury, while improving hemodynamics and gas exchange in our patients. But are they effective at achieving these goals? This presentation will review some popular non-conventional modes of ventilation and discuss their roles in neonatal/pediatric critical care.