High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation: Evidence of Benefit

High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is often seen as a lung protective strategy for neonates. It utilises rapid ventilation rates with small tidal volumes with active inspiratory and expiratory phases. This mode of ventilation may be useful in settings where conventional modes are failing to achieve adequate ventilation and may result in significant pulmonary injury to achieve adequate gas exchange, or where HFOV is considered to be better suited to underlying lung pathophysiology. When initiated early, high frequency oscillatory ventilation may improve oxygenation and reduce the risk of lung injury.

This lecture will discuss:

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

•Lung recruitment and protection of the neonatal lung and the evidence of benefit

•The parameters and settings used in high frequency oscillatory ventilation

This program has been approved for 1.00 contact hour Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425, N. MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100, Irving TX 75063