Performance of a new oxygen delivery device for potentially infectious critically ill patients1. (1st August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yip, Y. Y.; Kwok, W. H.; Gomersall, C. D.
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia. Volume 68:Number 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1038
• Page End: 1044
• Publication Date: 2013-08-01
• Subjects: Anesthesia -- Periodicals; 617.96
• DOI: 10.1111/anae.12378
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2409

Abstract

Summary: In patients with highly contagious diseases that are spread by respiratory droplets or air‐borne particles, the use of high‐flow oxygen may carry a significant risk of nosocomial transmission. We tested a new oxygen delivery device designed to address these problems by simulating 108 patients with sepsis and respiratory failure. The device being tested consisted of an airtight mask, a bacterial and viral filter, a T‐shaped reservoir (50 and 100 ml) and oxygen delivery tubing connected directly to the mask. When tested with a 50‐ml reservoir, a high fractional oxygen concentration was achieved: mean (SD) 0.83 (0.11) at a flow of 15 l.min −1 oxygen. The 50‐ml reservoir, when compared with the 100‐ml reservoir, was associated with reduced carbon dioxide rebreathing (mean (SD) inspired fractional carbon dioxide concentration 2.5 (1.0) vs 3.0 (1.1), respectively, p = 0.009) and reduced inspiratory resistive work of breathing (mean (SD) 1.0 (0.6) J.l −1 vs 1.2 (0.5) J.l −1, respectively, p = 0.028). However, rebreathing and work of breathing were relatively high if a high respiratory rate was simulated. We conclude that the novel oxygen device we describe, equipped with the 50‐ml T‐shaped reservoir, is suitable for potentially infectious patients with type‐1 respiratory failure but without marked tachypnoea.