Physiologic consequences of high frequency jet ventilation.

High frequency jet ventilation provides effective gas exchange at frequencies of 60 to 900 minute-1. The selection of mechanical ventilatory support is based on multiple factors, including potential physiologic advantages and disadvantages. Although HFJV has demonstrated no clear significant advantage over CMV in many clinical applications, because it produces significantly lower peak airway pressures than CMV, cardiac compromise and barotrauma might be prevented. In addition, in situations in which tissue movement should be minimized, e.g., microneurosurgery, HFJV may prove beneficial.