Gas flow distribution in distal high frequency jet ventilation and lung thorax compliance

To investigate the influence of changes in thorax and lung compliance on ventilation during distal High Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV), similar ventilator settings were compared before and after changing the compliance in two groups of anaesthetized mongrel dogs. Each period of distal HFJV was preceded by adequate Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) to assure a start with baseline values. In Group 1 (n = 7), thorax compliance was changed by chest strapping, while in Group 2 (n = 7) lung compliance was changed by inducing acute lung injury by injection of oleic acid into the right atrium. Gas flow distribution in the ventilatory circuit during distal HFJV was determined before and after the changes in compliance were induced. Comparing similar ventilator settings during distal HFJV in the same dog, a decrease in lung or thorax compliance led to changes in gas flow distribution in the ventilatory circuit. Entrainment was decreased and bypass increased with a negative effect on the gas volume entering the lungs and on gas exchange. The results indicate that distal HFJV should be regarded as pressure-limited ventilation.