What is a common indication for using high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)?

What is a common indication for using high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)?

• A. Pulmonary hypertension
• B. Severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• C. Asthma exacerbation
• D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Answer: (B)

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is particularly indicated for patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This mode of ventilation employs small tidal volumes at very high frequencies, which helps to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury that can occur with traditional mechanical ventilation. In ARDS, the lungs are often compromised by inflammation and fluid accumulation, making gas exchange challenging. HFOV can effectively maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation by allowing for continuous mean airway pressure, which helps keep alveoli open, thus improving oxygenation without over-distending the lungs. This method is less likely to cause barotrauma or volutrauma, which is critical in the delicate respiratory environment of ARDS. The unique approach of HFOV is tailored to address the specific needs of patients with severe lung injury, making it the preferred choice in such clinical scenarios.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is particularly indicated for patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This mode of ventilation employs small tidal volumes at very high frequencies, which helps to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury that can occur with traditional mechanical ventilation. In ARDS, the lungs are often compromised by inflammation and fluid accumulation, making gas exchange challenging.

HFOV can effectively maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation by allowing for continuous mean airway pressure, which helps keep alveoli open, thus improving oxygenation without over-distending the lungs. This method is less likely to cause barotrauma or volutrauma, which is critical in the delicate respiratory environment of ARDS. The unique approach of HFOV is tailored to address the specific needs of patients with severe lung injury, making it the preferred choice in such clinical scenarios.