Percutaneous transtracheal high frequency jet ventilation as an aid to difficult intubation

A case is described where prophylactic high frequency jet ventilation through a percutaneous transtracheal cannula was performed. This guaranteed adequate ventilation of a patient who was known to be difficult to intubate, enabling a paralyzing dose of succinylcholine to be given and intubation to be performed safely in a well oxygenated patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting.