Superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation for laryngeal and tracheal surgery.

OBJECTIVE To describe our experience with superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV), which does not require any endotracheal tubes or catheters, for performing laryngeal and tracheal surgery. DESIGN A case series of 500 patients. SETTING A university medical center. PATIENTS Four hundred sixty adult patients and 40 children in a consecutive sample who required laryngeal or tracheal surgery under SHFJV. INTERVENTIONS The SHFJV uses 2 jet streams with different frequencies simultaneously and is applied using a jet laryngoscope. Ventilation was performed with an air-oxygen mixture, and intravenous agents were used for anesthesia. Arterial blood gas values were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reported values of oxygenation and ventilation during the application of SHFJV and laryngotracheal surgery. RESULTS In 497 patients, adequate oxygenation with a mean +/- SD PaO2 of 91.8 +/- 22.9 mm Hg and ventilation with a PaCO2 of 29.7 +/- 5.5 mm Hg were achieved using SHFJV. The average duration of the application of ventilation was 27 minutes, and the longest duration was 118 minutes. No complications due to the ventilation technique were observed. Laser surgery was performed in 150 patients. CONCLUSIONS The use of SHFJV in combination with the jet laryngoscope provides patients with sufficient ventilation during laryngotracheal surgery. Even in patients at high risk because of pulmonary or cardiac disease, this technique can be applied safely. In patients with stenosis, the ventilation is applied from above the stenosis, reducing the risk of barotrauma. The SHFJV can be used for tracheobronchial stent insertion, and laser can be used without any additional protective measures.