Purpose: To describe a method of delivering nitric oxide during high frequency jet ventilation.
Clinical features: A 63-yr-old man underwent reduction pneumoplasty for bullous emphysema. Postoperatively, ventilation was inadequate, secondary to bilateral high output bronchopleural fistulae. High frequency jet ventilation was initiated and achieved adequate ventilation (pH>7.2). Over the following 24 hr, progressive hypoxemia (SaO2 <86%) developed along with the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Nitric oxide was delivered by continuous flow at the patient Y-connector during combined high frequency jet and conventional ventilation (two conventional low volume breaths/minute). Substantial improvement in oxygenation (FiO2 0.8 0.5, SaO2 >92%) was noted initially and was sustained over 72 hr. Subsequently, the patient was weaned to conventional ventilation without difficulty. Mechanical ventilation was discontinued on postoperative day sixteen.
Conclusion: The simultaneous use of nitric oxide and high-frequency jet ventilation was used safely and effectively in this patient as a method of support for acute respiratory distress syndrome with co-existing large bilateral bronchopleural fistulae.