Modeling the pulmonary mechanics of jet ventilation

Low frequency jet ventilation (LFJV) is an inadequately characterized technique to ventilate patients during rigid bronchoscopy. We conducted a benchtop experiment to characterize airway pressures and tidal volumes during LFJV under different levels of resistance, compliance, inspiratory time, and expiratory time. Airway pressures ranged from 7.69 – 12.02 cm H2O, median 10.99 cm H2O. Resistance and compliance had statistically significant but not clinically impactful effects on airway pressure. Tidal volumes ranged from 42.72 – 546.26 mL, median 177.00 mL. Resistance and compliance each had a statistically significant on tidal volume, but only compliance had a clinically relevant effect.