Low-compliance, volume-controlled, high-frequency positive-pressure ventilation versus conventional ventilation during coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Low-compliance, volume-controlled, high-frequency positive-pressure ventilation (HFPPV) was compared to conventional intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) immediately before and after surgery in a series of ten patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Direct and indirect hemodynamic and respiratory variables were recorded and calculated. All patients were adequately ventilated with either HFPPV or IPPV. No significant differences in hemodynamic stability were noted either before or after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Airway pressures were lowered significantly by HFPPV as compared to IPPV. This may be useful in cases in which increased airway pressure might be harmful due to decreased venous return and cardiac output (CO).