Intermittent-flow expiratory ventilation (IFEV): delivery technique and principles of action--a preliminary...

The ventilator support utilized in acute respiratory failure can exacerbate an underlying lung injury. Various ventilation techniques have been introduced to prevent such damage by limiting tidal volume and inflation pressure, ensuring uniform expansion of the lung, and stabilizing lung volume during expiration. Acceptance of such methods has been limited. Intermittent-flow expiratory ventilation (IFEV) is the latest development in limited-excursion pulmonary ventilation. The method involves the delivery of fresh gas to the respiratory tree during expiration, thereby flushing out the anatomic deadspace and ensuring that the gas initially delivered to the alveolus with the succeeding inspiration is able to participate in gas exchange. By eliminating end-tidal gas in the conducting air passages, series deadspace is functionally reduced, permitting lowering of tidal volume and airway pressures without a corresponding reduction in CO2 removal. This effect may benefit patients who have acute lung injury by permitting ventilator settings with lower tidal volumes and peak airway pressures. The technique of IFEV delivery, a successful clinical application, and possible ways to improve IFEV efficiency are discussed.