Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
First intention high-frequency jet ventilation for periviable infants
Timothy G Elgin1, Amy H Stanford, Jonathan M Klein
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Insights
High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a critical tool for periviable infants. Recent studies show HFJV is effective for infants under 750g, even with small endotracheal tubes, despite limited trials.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Respiratory Support
Background:
- Ventilating periviable infants (22-23 weeks gestation) presents significant challenges.
- High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a specialized technique used in neonatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on using first intention HFJV for infants near the limits of viability.
- To analyze pulmonary fetal development and HFJV strategies, including those from early trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and randomized trials on HFJV in periviable infants.
- Analysis of a recent retrospective observational cohort trial on HFJV efficacy.
Main Results:
- A lack of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exists, with none in the past 25 years.
- A recent trial demonstrated HFJV efficacy in infants <750g, including those with 2.0-mm endotracheal tubes.
Conclusions:
- The scarcity of recent RCTs fuels ongoing debate regarding first intention HFJV.
- This review presents an experienced center's HFJV strategy for infants <24 weeks gestation, highlighting the need for further research.
Purpose Of Review:
Ventilation of periviable infants born at 22-23 weeks gestation remains a challenge in neonatology. This review highlights the evidence surrounding the use of first intention high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) in infants born near the limits of viability with a review of pulmonary fetal development and a focused overview of HFJV strategies including an in-depth analysis of the management strategies used in the initial randomized trials.
Recent Findings:
A paucity of recent trials exists, with no randomized control trials assessing the use of first intention HFJV performed in the last 25 years. A retrospective observational cohort trial of the use of HFJV for infants born at less than 750 g has been recently published demonstrating the efficacy of HFJV for this population even with 2.0-mm endotracheal tubes.
Summary:
The lack of recent randomized trials contributes to the controversy surrounding the use of first intention HFJV. Although new research is needed in the area, this review includes the ventilation strategy of an experienced center with a focus on the use of first intention HFJV for the care of premature infants born less than 24 weeks gestation.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

