What does high-frequency ventilation aim to minimize?

High-frequency ventilation aims to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This approach employs rapid breathing rates with smaller tidal volumes compared to conventional mechanical ventilation. By using smaller volumes, high-frequency ventilation reduces the risk of overdistending the alveoli and causing damage to lung tissue. Traditional tidal volume strategies can lead to barotrauma or volutrauma, hence high-frequency ventilation is particularly beneficial in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or other forms of lung injury, where preserving lung integrity is crucial.

While other factors like peak airway pressures or respiratory muscle fatigue may be relevant in mechanical ventilation, the primary goal of high-frequency ventilation is to protect the lung tissue from injury caused by mechanical ventilation pressures and volumes. This protective strategy is vital in maintaining optimal lung function while minimizing further damage.