[Effect of high-frequency ventilation on the pulmonary clearance system].

Four types of ventilation with high frequencies offer new therapeutical possibilities of treating severe pulmonary diseases. The first aim in using these techniques is to normalize or to maintain a stable gas exchange. Secondly, the improvement of mucociliary transport function and the counterpulsation effect on the capillaries and lymph vessels may have an interesting influence on pulmonary secretion clearance. These methods will represent essential progress in mechanical ventilation and respiratory physiotherapy, if they gain clinical perfection.