The use of combined high-frequency jet ventilation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation in bilateral bronchopleural fistulae.

Dissatisfaction with the results of conventional respiratory support has led to the use of high-frequency jet ventilation in desperate clinical situations with severe acute respiratory failure. We report a case of a 77 year old man with bilateral bronchopleural fistulae, who was ventilated with a combination of intermittent positive pressure ventilation and high-frequency jet ventilation. The hemodynamic and respiratory advances of this combination are discussed in an overview of the literature.