ABSTRACT
The successful use of high frequency ventilation (HFV) in the operating room depends upon an understanding of the design principles and performance characteristics of the ventilator. Prior clinical applications have established the safety and efficacy of HFV. In general the physiologic effects of HFV result directly from using lower peak air way pressures, higher ventilatory frequencies, and smaller tidal volumes. The potential adverse cardiovascular effects of conventional mechanical ventilation are related to positive airway and intrapleural pressures which may impair venous return to the right heart and decrease cardiac output. Several major concerns regarding the use of HFV in the operating room are centered on assuring and assessing adequate gas exchange while preventing barotrauma. HFV has been demonstrated to provide effective gas exchange during various types of surgical procedures over a wide range of frequencies. The high mortality associated with acute respiratory failure has spurred the research of alternative modalities to be used when conventional mechanical ventilation fails.
