[Application of high frequency jet ventilation during microsurgery of the larynx under suspending laryngoscopy]

This study describes the results obtained with high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) in 19 patients who underwent laryngeal microsurgery under suspending laryngoscopy.

After premedication and anesthetic induction with propofol (Diprivan R, ICI-Farma), we performed an endotracheal intubation (28F tube) under succinyl-choline facilitation. Conventional ventilation was started at a rate of 14-16 cpm with a minute volume of 8-10 l, and a FiO2 of 0.4 (air-oxygen). The endotracheal tube was replaced by an insufflation catheter of 2 mm internal diameter and HFJV was initiated at a rate of 100 cpm, inspiratory time equal to the 33% of the total cycle, generator pressure of 2.5-3.6 kg/cm2, and similar FiO2. We used an Ergojet CVT (Temel SA) respirator that allowed continuous monitoring of the injector released volume during each cycle (Vjet) as well as the air way pressure. Anesthesia was maintained with continuous propofol perfusion.

During HFJV there were no significant hemodynamic alterations and surgeons considered that the condition of the surgical field was excellent. Air way pressure was maintained at low levels in all cases, although brief hypertensive episodes occurred during laryngeal manipulation. Oxygenation was satisfactory in all except one patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conventional ventilation and HFJV did not induce significant differences in alveolar ventilation nor in PaCO2. However, during HFJV oxygenation and ventilatory levels suffered a high degree of interindividual variability. This phenomenon could be due to the existence of variable degrees of gas reflux during insufflation.

We conclude that HFJV is a very useful technique for anesthesia in laryngeal microsurgery. However, an appropriate monitoring of ventilatory dynamics and a detailed knowledge of the influences of patient's characteristics on HFJV are required.