The effect of high-frequency jet ventilation on intracranial pressure in patients with closed head injuries

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) can increase intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with closed head injuries. This adverse effect may be secondary to elevated peak airway pressures. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) has been shown to produce lower peak airway pressures and decrease ICP in experimental animals. This report describes a patient with a head injury who was ventilated with a high-frequency jet ventilator.