DETERMINANTS OF ARTERIAL OXYGENATION DURING VENTILATION WITH A HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATOR.
High frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a new form of positive pressure mechanical ventilatory support that utilizes 200-300cc pulses of gas at frequencies of 100-150 breaths per minute (BPM). The authors have analyzed the results of the first 30 patients we have studied in an ongoing large scale clinical trial of HFJV. The authors conclude that the relationship between effective ventilation and PaO//2 on CMV and HFJV reflects similar ventilation perfusion relationships at similar airway pressures during both forms of mechanical ventilation. They also conclude that the alveolar instability associated with significant right to left shunting requires similar positive minimal distending airway pressures for optimal gas exchange on both forms of ventilation. Finally, the observation that periodic signs during HFJV improves oxygenation in some patients with significant right to left shunting suggests that optimal surfactant function in these diseased lungs may require occasional large inflation volumes.
