BAROTRAUMA AND HYPOTENSION RESULTING FROM JET VENTILATION IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

The 1st reports of pneumoperitoneum secondary to jet ventilation, barotrauma secondary to jet ventilation through the suction port of a fiberoptic laryngoscope and hypotension due to jet ventilation via nasotracheal and orotracheal catheters is presented. Minimizing airway pressure and using jet catheters with side holes may help decrease the risk of such complications. A present, the use of hand-held jet ventilators cannot be recommended unless both adequate exhalation space is guaranteed and direct impingement of the catheter''s tip on the mucosal surface is avoided.