Continued Respiratory Therapy Phone: 866-382-0799


How does High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV) work?

Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS

October 15, 2024

Share:

Question

How does high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) work?

Answer

High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV) operates by delivering very small tidal volumes at rapid rates using a specialized ET tube adapter known as the life port adapter. HFJV relies on passive exhalation and is used in tandem with a conventional ventilator to provide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

  • Life Port Adapter: This adapter replaces the standard ET tube connection and fits snugly to deliver rapid, small tidal volumes through a specialized nozzle. It helps create a transitional flow that pierces through dead space and minimizes turbulent flow.
  • Passive Exhalation: HFJV relies on passive exhalation, allowing for gentle ventilation and better secretion clearance. This mechanism reduces the risk of alveolar overdistension and lung injury.
  • PEEP Support: The conventional ventilator provides the necessary PEEP to maintain mean airway pressure. This setup ensures adequate oxygenation and ventilation support.

HFJV is particularly effective for managing ventilation issues and conditions like air leak syndromes and significant secretion clearance, offering a targeted and gentle approach to respiratory support.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, MD Flavor of the Month…High Frequency Jet versus Oscillatory Ventilationpresented by Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS.


kelly massa

Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS

Kelly Massa graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2008. She started her career at Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, Delaware, where she joined the CMO and Cardiac OR team and then became the PICU Clinical Lead. In her role as the PICU Lead, she enjoyed providing education not only to RTs but to nurses and physicians as well on mechanical ventilation and other Respiratory topics. Her love of educating and research landed her the current role of Clinical Instructor and Research Coordinator. Since in this role, Kelly has submitted over 30 abstracts to the AARC as well as multiple manuscripts. Kelly also enjoys volunteering her time presenting talks with ICON Academy and at AARC Congress and providing care during medical mission trips to Nigeria. 


Related Courses

MD Flavor of the Month…High Frequency Jet versus Oscillatory Ventilation
Presented by Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS
Video

Presenter

Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS
Course: #2122Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'GREAT CONTENT!'   Read Reviews
High-frequency ventilation can be a challenge to set up, especially for those who use it infrequently. This course helps equip the learner with an understanding of the differences between the HFOV and HFJV ventilators and how to initiate/troubleshoot both.

It's Your Favorite... Ventilator Graphics!
Presented by Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS
Video

Presenter

Kelly Massa, BHS, RRT-NPS
Course: #1883Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Explanations with the graphics demonstrated'   Read Reviews
Review the basics of ventilator waveforms, including time scalars and loops. Discuss interventions with abnormal waveforms.

Mechanical Ventilation Weaning in Pediatric Patients
Presented by Duane Reed, EdD, RRT, RCP
Video

Presenter

Duane Reed, EdD, RRT, RCP
Course: #1803Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Great presenter'   Read Reviews
Children can be safely and efficiently weaned from mechanical ventilation and then successfully extubated. This introductory course reviews weaning guidelines and methods during the various phases of mechanical ventilation.

High Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV): What, Why, When, and How
Presented by Evan Richards, Advanced Practice Clinical Consultant, BSc, RT
Video

Presenter

Evan Richards, Advanced Practice Clinical Consultant, BSc, RT
Course: #2111Level: Advanced1 Hour
  'The course was well organized as well as the instructors lecture'   Read Reviews
This lecture will detail what HFJV is, why you should use it, when you should apply it, and how to utilize it once it is applied.

Micropreemies: The New NICU Reality
Presented by Evan Richards, Advance Practice Clinical Consultant, BSc, RT
Video

Presenter

Evan Richards, Advance Practice Clinical Consultant, BSc, RT
Course: #2112Level: Advanced1 Hour
  'The presenter had intriguing information to share and made it easy to understand'   Read Reviews
The edge of viability for premature babies has dropped to 22 weeks. This lecture will describe the complexities of ventilating the tiniest lungs and highlight studies that support HFJV.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.