high-frequency oscillatory ventilation


high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV),

a mechanical ventilation system that supplies a continuous distending pressure to the respiratory tract and, in addition, generates rapidly oscillating ventilatory cycles at small tidal volume.

high-frequency oscillatory ventilation

Abbreviation: HFOV
Pulmonary ventilation with multiple rapid breaths given at small tidal volumes. It limits the stretching and collapse of the alveoli that occur in conventional mechanical ventilation. See also: ventilation