Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation with high frequency jet ventilation. Studies following valvular heart surgery.

The cardiorespiratory effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation and high frequency jet ventilation with and without positive end expiratory pressure were compared in patients following valvular heart surgery (mitral and/or aortic). Twenty patients received intermittent positive pressure ventilation and high frequency jet ventilation with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 kPa positive end expiratory pressure. High frequency jet ventilation was well tolerated. The addition of 1.0 kPa positive end expiratory pressure was associated with preservation of the arterial oxygen tension without any increase in shunt or significant adverse haemodynamic effect. The results are discussed and compared with a previous study of high frequency jet ventilation following aortocoronary bypass graft surgery.