A review of the utility of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in burn and trauma ICU patients

Purpose of review The purpose was to examine the utility of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in trauma and burn ICU patients who require mechanical ventilation, and provide recommendations on its use. Recent findings HFOV may be beneficial in burn patients with smoke inhalation injury with or without acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as it improves oxygenation and minimizes ventilator-induced lung injury. It also may have a role in improving oxygenation in trauma patients with blast lung injury, pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax with massive air leak, and ARDS; however, the mortality benefit is unknown. Summary Although some studies have shown promise and improved outcomes associated with HFOV, we recommend its use as a rescue modality for patients who have failed conventional ventilation.