Intraoperative High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Is Equivalent to Conventional Ventilation During Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation.

BACKGROUND

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment is typically pharmacologic, but if unsuccessful, surgical ligation is commonly performed. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is used at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital for extremely low birth weight infants. Historically, neonates requiring PDA ligation were temporarily transferred to conventional ventilation (CV) prior to surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether conversion was necessary.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis examined outcomes following PDA ligation from 2014 to 2016 at the University of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital. Infants who were transferred to CV prior to surgery and returned to HFJV postprocedure are referred to as the CV cohort. The HFJV cohort infants remained on HFJV throughout.

RESULTS

We found no significant increases in morbidity or mortality with the use of intraoperative HFJV and potentially show some benefit through greater reduction in serum CO2.

CONCLUSIONS

Mode of ventilation during PDA ligation does not affect surgical morbidity or mortality or short-term clinical outcomes. Conversion to CV from HFJV is not necessary.