Anesthetic considerations for automated high-frequency jet ventilation during electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy

Newly advanced diagnostic bronchoscopic procedures, such as electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy using navigation system technology (superDimension, Medtronic), provides computed tomography referenced and computerized 3-dimensional imaging. To increase accuracy and higher diagnostic biopsy yield, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy necessitates special anesthetic and ventilation techniques providing the interventional pulmonologist minimal respiratory lung motion. This anesthetic meets 2 important goals by limiting almost all interference from diaphragmatic and lung movement while allowing the anesthesia provider to achieve hands-free management. Proposed here is an anesthetic ventilation technique by automated high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) via double-lumen micro jet endotracheal tubes. This ventilation technique delivers consistent very low tidal volumes. Automated HFJV provides the pulmonologist the advantage of more accurate navigation and target alignment in this Global Positioning System–guided biopsy procedure. The technique offers essentially no chest motion, without interrupting ventilation. Additionally, HFJV allows the anesthetist better availability to attend to total intravenous anesthesia, adjustments, and interventions. The intention of this article is to detail an anesthetic method that provides a hands-free technique that requires only one anesthesia provider.