Lung lavage using high-frequency jet ventilation in rabbits with meconium aspiration

To determine the efficacy of the expulsion effect of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) on meconium clearance from the airways in comparison with conventional suctioning in adult rabbits with meconium aspiration.

Experiments were carried out on tracheotomized, anaesthetized and paralysed adult rabbits. A suspension of human meconium in saline (25 mg ml(-1), 4 ml kg(-1)) was instilled into the tracheal cannula. When respiratory failure developed, saline lavage (10 ml kg(-1) in 3 portions) was performed during conventional ventilation or by means of the inpulsion and expulsion regime of HFJV. Animals were further ventilated for 2 h with either conventional ventilation or HFJV.

There was no significant difference between groups in the amount of meconium recovered by lavage. Compared to conventional ventilation, the application of HFJV enhanced the elimination of carbon dioxide, increased lung compliance and diminished right-to-left shunts after 30 min of ventilatory treatment. Oxygenation also improved during HFJV, although this was not a consistent finding during the ventilation period.

HFJV improved gas exchange, lung compliance and reduced right-to-left pulmonary shunts, but saline lung lavage by HFJV was not found to be more efficient than lavage during conventional ventilation in rabbits with meconium aspiration.