[High frequency ventilation during the surgical treatment of esophageal atresia]

The preliminary results of the use of high frequency positive pressure ventilation (HFPPV) in six newborn infants presenting a type III oesophageal atresia during the thoracic stage of surgical repair are reported. HFPPV allowed correct gas exchange during the surgical procedure. In the six cases, a significant decrease in PaCO2 (p less than 0.05) was observed, whereas the effects on PaO2 were variable. The technical problems, mechanism of gas transport during HFPPV and clinical interest of HFPPV in thoracic surgery are discussed.