Elevated lung volume and alveolar pressure during jet ventilation of rabbits.

We measured lung volume, tidal volume, and pressures at the airway opening, trachea, and alveoli during jet ventilation of rabbits at frequencies from 2 to 15 Hz when inspiratory time was varied from 10 to 50% of the ventilator cycle. Lung volume was determined dynamically and was dependent on tidal volume, expiratory duration, and the expiratory time constant of the respiratory system. Tidal volume decreased with increasing frequency and lung volume, and was greater than estimated dead-space volume over most of the frequency range studied. Pressure at the airway opening was not a good estimate of either mean pressure or pressure swings in the alveoli. Tracheal pressure corresponded fairly well to alveolar pressure. Alveolar pressure swings diminished with increasing frequency and decreasing inspiratory duration. In the clinical setting these results mean that measurement of pressures at the airway opening is not an adequate way to monitor patients during jet ventilation. In addition, the clinician must be aware that substantial increases in functional residual capacity may occur during jet ventilation, thereby placing the patient at risk of pneumothorax.