Work

Exhaled air dispersion during high-flow nasal cannula therapyversusCPAPviadifferent masks

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Background High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an emerging therapy for respiratory failure but the extent of exhaled air dispersion during treatment is unknown. We examined exhaled air dispersion during HFNC therapyversuscontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on a human patient simulator (HPS) in an isolation room with 16 air changes·h−1. Methods The HPS was programmed to represent different severity of lung injury. CPAP was delivered at 5–20 cmH2Ovianasal pillows (Respironics Nuance Pro Gel or ResMed Swift FX) or an oronasal mask (ResMed Quattro Air). HFNC, humidified to 37°C, was delivered at 10–60 L·min−1to the HPS. Exhaled airflow was marked with intrapulmonary smoke for visualisation and revealed by laser light-sheet. Normalised exhaled air concentration was estimated from the light scattered by the smoke particles. Significant exposure was defined when there was ≥20% normalised smoke concentration. Results In the normal lung condition, mean±sdexhaled air dispersion, along the sagittal plane, increased from 186±34 to 264±27 mm and from 207±11 to 332±34 mm when CPAP was increased from 5 to 20 cmH2OviaRespironics and ResMed nasal pillows, respectively. Leakage from the oronasal mask was negligible. Mean±sdexhaled air distances increased from 65±15 to 172±33 mm when HFNC was increased from 10 to 60 L·min−1. Air leakage to 620 mm occurred laterally when HFNC and the interface tube became loose. Conclusion Exhaled air dispersion during HFNC and CPAPviadifferent interfaces is limited provided there is good mask interface fitting.

Source: European Respiratory Journal

DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02339-2018