High-frequency jet ventilation during radiofrequency ablation: a case report

High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) has been used in emergency airway scenarios and various surgical procedures. Although substantial literature is available regarding HFJV in these situations, there is only 1 publication to date concerning its use for cardiac radiofrequency ablation procedures. The following case study describes a 49-year-old man undergoing radiofrequency ablation in which HFJV was used. This method has been used for these procedures for months in our institution with great success. Its effectiveness is attributed to the lack of significant heart movement as compared with conventional intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, which, in turn, has improved surgical conditions and resulted in decreased procedure times. In this case, a newly introduced in-line circuit filter was used. Impedance to passive exhalation was created after the filter became saturated from the high humidification. This event, its management, and the following discussion on the mechanics of HFJV and its use in radiofrequency ablation procedures make this case an educational value to all anesthesia providers.