Specialist Area

Jet Ventilation

A highly specialised technique of artificial ventilation — advancing patient outcomes in airway surgery through precision oxygen delivery and optimised surgical conditions.

Jet ventilation is a specialised technique of artificial ventilation that delivers oxygen via small-bore catheters, rather than conventional endotracheal tubes. This approach has proven extremely valuable for patients requiring surgery of the larynx, vocal cords, and trachea.

By removing the need for conventional ventilation equipment from the surgical field, jet ventilation allows surgeons to operate without obstruction, significantly improving procedural conditions during general anaesthesia. The result is safer surgery, reduced complications, and better outcomes for complex airway cases.

The technique demands highly specialised equipment and advanced clinical training, and is offered only at expert centres. Ongoing international research continues to expand its applications and refine its safety profile.

"Jet ventilation requires special technical equipment and is only offered by experts in highly specialised medical centres."

Prof. Ihra's research in this field spans multiple decades and has contributed to international understanding of jet ventilation's optimal parameters, safety thresholds, and expanding clinical indications.

View Publications on PubMed →
Prof. Ihra in surgical scrubs in the operating theatre Operating Theatre — Airway Procedure
💨
Oxygen Delivery
High-pressure oxygen delivered via narrow-bore catheter, bypassing the need for conventional airway instrumentation.
🎯
Surgical Field Access
Eliminates conventional ventilation equipment from the operative field, giving surgeons unobstructed access.
⚡
High-Frequency Option
High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) allows for very short respiratory cycles and minimal airway movement during delicate procedures.
🏥
Specialist Centres Only
Requires dedicated equipment, trained personnel, and rigorous safety protocols — available at select expert institutions.
📊
Evidence-Based Practice
Continuously refined through international peer-reviewed research, with Prof. Ihra's work indexed on PubMed and Medline.

Clinical Indications

Key Applications

01
Laryngeal Surgery
Procedures on the larynx benefit from jet ventilation's ability to maintain oxygenation without obstructing the surgical site.
02
Vocal Cord Procedures
Microsurgery of the vocal cords requires a clear, motionless field — jet ventilation reduces movement and instrument interference.
03
Tracheal Reconstruction
Complex tracheal procedures can proceed safely with continuous oxygenation even when the trachea is opened or resected.
04
Difficult Airway Management
Provides an effective rescue strategy in patients where conventional intubation is impossible or contraindicated.
05
Bronchoscopy Support
Enables ventilation during diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy without interrupting the procedure.
06
Paediatric Airway Cases
Smaller airways in children make jet ventilation a valuable option for certain paediatric ENT and thoracic procedures.