Effect of distal endotracheal bias flow on PaCO2 during high frequency oscillatory ventilation

In order to evaluate the effect of distal endotracheal bias flow during HFOV on PaCO2 we studied adult rabbits with normal lungs and those who had meconium-induced lung dysfunction. Animals were studied while 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8 ml/kg tidal volumes (VT) were delivered by a high frequency oscillator. In animals with normal lungs and a 1.0 liter/min distal bias flow, the PaCO2 decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) with all VT used. In animals with meconium instillation the decrease in PaCO2 was also significant (p less than 0.05) at all combinations of VT and distal bias flow. The higher the distal bias flow the more pronounced was the lowering effect on PaCO2. We conclude that during HFOV it is possible to improve CO2 elimination using small additional bias flow delivered near the tip of the endotracheal tube in animals with normal abnormal lung function. This may allow adequate alveolar ventilation with even smaller VT, thus reducing the risk of barotrauma.