A flow-leak correction algorithm for pneumotachographic work-of-breathing measurement during high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy

High-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used as a technique for treating respiratory failure [1]. Delivery of a heated and humidified oxygen/air mixture at high flow rates improves ventilatory efficiency and generates a positive pharyngeal pressure that reduces the work of breathing (WOB) [2]. In current practice, HFNC therapy is initiated at a flow rate of 1  L/kg/min + 1 and flow is then titrated according to respiratory distress [3]. Whether this procedure does so safely nevertheless remains uncertain, because subsequent variations in flow settings fail to take into account effective changes in a patient's WOB.
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Source Type: research