Two cases of barotrauma associated with transtracheal jet ventilation

Two patients suffered barotrauma whilst undergoing transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV). In the first, TTJV was provided by a Sanders injector and in the second it was given by a high frequency jet ventilator. Barotrauma was a consequence of the expiratory pathway becoming blocked. The mechanism of barotrauma and a method of airway pressure monitoring during TTJV are discussed. It is recommended that meticulous care is taken to ensure an adequate path for expiration when jet ventilation is used.