High-frequency jet ventilation breathes new life for infants in respiratory distress

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has made a major step to the highest level of care for respiratory distress in preterm babies. The NICU now utilizes jet ventilation, which provides the most advanced and gentle care compared to a traditional ventilator, for the youngest patients in the level three Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Neonatologists say babies born between approximately 500-1250 grams (one to three pounds) with lung disease due to prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or a lung collapse benefit from jet ventilation.

“The jet ventilator is different in the mechanics of how it works compared to the mechanical ventilator. It is able to provide gentle ventilation at a microscopic level, decreasing risks and allowing healing for babies with underdeveloped lungs at birth,” said Dr. Kelly Driver, NICU interim medical director at Brandon Hospital.

Jet ventilators are more readily available in level four NICU’s in the West Florida area. Brandon Hospital’s NICU patients now have access to this advanced care technology, which eliminates the need for the youngest patients to face the risks associated with a transfer to another facility.

This gentle ventilation helps support the lungs of preterm babies so they can grow and develop in Brandon Hospital’s level three NICU. The technological advancement also allows for the opportunity to provide a higher level of care to Hillsborough County residents, so they can be closer to home if their baby has an extended NICU hospitalization. Support of lung development and the family is essential to the overall growth of preterm babies, so they can ultimately “graduate from the NICU” and go home with their parents.