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High Frequency Oscillation Ventilation

A Proven Technique

High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is a type of mechanical ventilation that uses a constant distending pressure (or mean airway pressure (MAP)) with pressure variations oscillating around the MAP at very high rates (up to 900 cycles per minute). This creates small tidal volumes (often less than the dead space) whilst offering significant advantages over conventional ventilation.

Both the SLE6000 and SLE5000 infant ventilators offer HFOV with active expiration, putting them in the class of ‘true’ oscillators.

Why is HFOV so useful?

  • It can be lung protective due to the delivery of small tidal volumes
  • It reduces lung injury
  • It offers more effective control of CO2, and CO2 elimination
  • It is the best way to treat air-leak syndromes
  • It is the preferred mode in the treatment of PPHN and MAS

Seamless transition from conventional ventilation to HFOV

When using the SLE6000 or SLE5000 you can switch between a conventional mode of ventilation and high frequency oscillation ventilation without changing the current patient circuit, or adding anything to the patient circuit to make it suitable for HFOV delivery. Which means recruitment is maintained while the transition is made.

As it is the same circuit for both modes of ventilation, it is more patient-friendly in its placement. All ventilation measurements are taken from the proximal airway line at the patient ET connection and relayed back to the ventilator.

Active Expiration

Both the SLE6000 and SLE5000 use active expiration, which is achieved by the rapid cycling of the forward and reverse jets.

The amount of pressure going into the lungs is exactly the same amount that is withdrawn out of the lungs (as shown on the waveform). This is done mechanically without the need of any other action from the ventilator or any addition to the circuit.

Using SLE's unique valveless system also further aids in the elimination of expired gases.

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Click here to explore HFOV references/clinical papers within the Eductation section of our website.