Why is this procedure done?
Sometimes, you need help breathing. This may be for a short time, like during surgery. It may be for a long time if you are getting better after being sick or hurt. If you are very sick, you may need a special kind of breathing machine. One kind is a high frequency oscillatory ventilator or HFOV. Some lung illnesses cause low oxygen levels in the blood. As a result, the body will not be able to have enough oxygen to work well. ‚
HFOV is a type of breathing machine that uses a different kind of pressure to keep the lungs open. It vibrates air to help gases move in and out of the airways. This helps to avoid more lung injury. The breathing machine will need to be connected to a tube that goes down your windpipe into your lungs. ‚
What will the results be?
- The machine will be able to breathe for you when you are not able to.
- You will have enough oxygen supply to your lungs and to your body
What happens before the procedure?
Most often, you are already on a normal breathing machine. This means you already have a breathing tube in place. The doctors are watching your oxygen levels in your blood very closely. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- The doctor will connect your breathing tube to the tubes from the machine. The doctor will adjust the setting of the machine based on your oxygen needs.
- The staff will test your oxygen level often by pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases to see how the treatment is working.
What happens after the procedure?
When you are breathing better, the doctor may: ‚
- Switch you to a normal breathing machine
- Take you off the breathing machine
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may order oxygen therapy for you at home.
- Get lots of rest. Increase your activities as ordered by your doctor.
- Stop smoking or using any tobacco products. Avoid being around any person who is smoking.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Stay away from places where you can easily get lung or throat infections. Avoid others who may be sick. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Mucus can form and block the air tube.
- The treatment may not give you enough oxygen.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚