Catheter jet ventilation, a favorable technique during resection of the central tracheobronchial system

Experience with catheter jet ventilation as an optimal ventilation technique during the critical phase of resection in the region of the central tracheobronchial system (bifurcational resections, extended resections in the bifurcational region) in 9 patients is described. For this technique we use a simple and cheap system consisting of a pressure-reduction valve, an interruption valve manually worked with a pistol handle, 2 manometers and a thin plastic catheter as a jet. In 8 cases the anesthesiologic management during the jet ventilation phase, ranging between 35 and 150 minutes, was without any problem; the one complication and the possible way of solving similar accidents are discussed. In comparison with the conventional technique, catheter jet ventilation gives the surgeon the possibility of complete freedom of action during suturing of the airway anastomosis.