Mechanical ventilation in fiberoptic-bronchoscopy: comparison between high frequency positive pressure ventilation and normal frequency positive pressure ventilation.

High frequency positive pressure ventilation (HFPPV) was compared with normal frequency positive pressure ventilation (NFPPV) during diagnostic fiberoptic-bronchoscopy. HFPPV was achieved by a simple modification of the Minivent, and gave satisfactory alveolar ventilation and oxygenation. In all 11 patients and over periods of at least 40 min, HFPPV gave normal PaCO2 and high levels of PAO2. Arterial blood pressures were higher and the airway pressures were lower than during NFPPV.