High-flow Oxygen Therapy in Acute Respiratory Failure

• DOI: 10.1097/cpm.0b013e3182514f29
• Publication Date: 2012-04-28T05:56:24Z
• Authors: Joan R. Masclans; Oriol Roca
• Keywords: Humidifiers; Nasal cannula; Oxygen therapy; Dead space; Positive airway pressure

Traditionally, high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) was defined as the delivery of a flow higher than 6 L/min. Recently, however, method has been described in which flows up to 50 L/min are delivered through nasal cannula with heated humidifier that optimizes administration. HFOT improves oxygenation by various mechanisms, for instance decreasing dilution, reducing respiratory dead space, and generating continuous positive airway pressure effect. It may also have beneficial effect on hemodynamics, exercise capacity, comfort, especially when is used. now viable treatment option because use humidifiers, allow conditioned inspiratory gases at 37°C 100% humidity. Properly gas provides comfort minimizes deterioration nasopharyngeal structures. Various systems currently available. important most comfortable device patient question, best conditioning.