Use of high-frequency jet ventilation to prevent aspiration in a patient with an uncuffed tracheostomy tube.

We report the use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) in a patient with an uncuffed tracheostomy tube who had significant pulmonary aspiration of upper-airway secretions. Respiratory secretions decreased during HFJV, indicating that the patient was no longer aspirating. Despite a continuous flow of gas out of the patient's nose and mouth, arterial blood gases remained within acceptable limits.