oscillatory ventilation
High-frequency mechanical ventilation using small tidal volumes and rapid rates. Lung-protective strategy for severe respiratory failure in pediatric patients.
Full Definition
Oscillatory ventilation, specifically high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), is a mode of mechanical ventilation that delivers very small tidal volumes (often less than anatomical dead space) at supraphysiologic frequencies (180-900 cycles per minute). This technique maintains lung recruitment through continuous positive pressure while minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury by avoiding the large pressure and volume changes associated with conventional mechanical ventilation. In pediatric critical care, HFOV is particularly useful for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, air leak syndromes, and cases where conventional ventilation has failed. The ventilator creates oscillations using a piston or diaphragm, with gas exchange occurring through complex mechanisms including convective mixing and molecular diffusion.
Usage
Usage note: Often referred to as HFOV when specifically discussing high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.
In Context
- "The patient was transitioned to oscillatory ventilation due to refractory hypoxemia on conventional modes." — PICU ventilator management note
- "Oscillatory ventilation settings include mean airway pressure, frequency, and amplitude adjustments." — Respiratory therapy protocol