High frequency ventilation

High frequency ventilation (HFV) is a general term that refers to a family of mechanical ventilation techniques that involves ventilator rates that are supraphysiological (more than 60 breaths/minute), and utilizes tidal volumes that are equal or less than the anatomical dead space of the airways. This paper is a review of the different HFV techniques, along with the mechanisms of oxygenation and ventilation, the clinical applications, and management strategies for different disease entities, and possible complications of HFV.