Delivering effective High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is often seen as a lung protective

strategy and may reduce the risk of lung injury by achieving maximal lung

recruitment with low tidal volumes. HFOV uses rapid ventilation rates with small

tidal volumes to provide beneficial effects on oxygenation and ventilation.

HFOV with volume guarantee may be clinically advantageous, especially in

conditions in which lung compliance can change rapidly.

There are different forms of HFOV but the difference between active and

passive expiration is significant when comparing performance between

devices.

How important is active expiration? How can it be achieved and is one better

than the other?

In this lecture, Prof. Anton van Kaam will discuss the following:

• High frequency oscillatory ventilation as a mode of ventilation for neonates

• Settings and parameters used in HFOV including HFOV with volume guarantee

• Active expiration with high frequency oscillatory ventilation and its importance

• Comparison of oscillation with a diaphragm to other forms of HFOV