Prolonged high-frequency jet ventilation

A 26-yr-old woman with bilateral staphylococcal pneumonia developed respiratory failure. Conventional ventilation failed and high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) was successfully instituted. Bronchopleural fistulas required prolonged (73 days) support with HFJV. A bronchoscopy performed after 37 days of mechanical support showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated severe cystic abnormalities. Pulmonary function tests performed 1 and 6 months after recovery showed small-airway dysfunction. HFJV proved safe for prolonged use.