High-flow catheter ventilation during major tracheobronchial reconstruction.

Anesthetic management during tracheobronchial reconstruction is a concern to the anesthetist, who must maintain satisfactory gas exchange while ensuring adequate exposure to the trachea. The technique for high-flow catheter ventilation was first described for bronchoscopy, and it involves positive-pressure breathing with a high flow (40 to 60 L/min) of oxygen. This flow is directed to a semirigid catheter inserted in the endotracheal tube and around which the tracheobronchial anastomosis can be done without interruption. The value of the technique was tested in 18 patients undergoing tracheobronchial reconstructions. Patients' ages ranged from 22 to 69 years and the average duration of catheter ventilation was 35 minutes. Regardless of the duration of high-flow catheter ventilation good arterial blood gas values were maintained in all patients. In six patients, the average oxygen tension (measured at 5 minute intervals) was 416 mm Hg and the average carbon dioxide tension was 34 mm Hg. One patient developed surgical emphysema during the procedure. The high-flow catheter ventilation provides specific advantages during tracheobronchial procedures: avoidance of endotracheal manipulations, unobstructed field during surgical reconstruction, and good oxygenation throughout the procedure.