Why may HFOV be considered a suboptimal ventilation strategy for patients who have either fresh particulate meconium aspiration or bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because a relatively high MLV is necessary for HFOV, this technique is not optimal for use in normal lungs. Furthermore, in conditions in which airway resistance is increased, such as fresh particulate meconium aspiration, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and reactive airway disease, HFOV may not be optimal. Because of the tremendous impedance to flow created by reductions in airway lumen with these disorders (thus increasing pulmonary time constants), decreases in delivered tidal volume or gas trapping, or both, cause derangement in gas exchange. In contrast, HFJV or HFPV, using larger tidal volumes and lower breathing frequencies, may be more efficacious in conditions in which airway time constants are pathologically prolonged.

Why May HFOV Be Considered a Suboptimal Ventilation Strategy for Patients