Impact of body mass index (BMI) on ventilation during low-frequency jet ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous trans-tracheal jet ventilation (PTJV) is an alternative ventilatory approach in airway surgery. We evaluated the effects of body mass index (BMI) on ventilation during low-frequency jet ventilation. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Forty-two patients undergoing micro-laryngeal surgery under total anesthesia were studied. Low-frequency jet ventilation was applied through an injector inserted into the trachea via cricothyroid membrane; ventilation was assessed during the operation by arterial blood gas sampling. RESULT: The age range of the patients was 43.54 +/- 12.04 years, weight was 69.97 +/- 11.66 kg, and BMI 24.80 +/- 2.78 (mean +/- SD). There was a strong correlation (P < 0.05) and a good correspondence between the BMI and mean PaCO(2), and arterial pH. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This method was effective in maintaining gas exchange in the presence of micro-laryngeal surgery for low-BMI patients. It provided a nice visible surgical field, avoiding the use of combustible material inside the larynx or trachea.

Congenital fusion of the maxilla and mandible: brief case report.

Congenital fusion of the mandible and maxilla is a rare anomaly usually seen in association with various syndromes. Reports of isolated cases of bony fusion of the jaws are sparse. Only 10 reported cases were found in the literature search. Maxillomandibular fusion restricts mouth opening, causing feeding problems and difficulties in swallowing, respiration, growth, and development, and thus must be treated early. We report a case of congenital fusion of the mandible and maxilla in a 1-year-old boy and describe the clinical features of this anomaly to add to the existing literature on the subject. This is our second encounter of such a case.