Postoperative use of high flow nasal insufflation for obstructive sleep apnea: a case series.

We describe our experience in 3 patients with known or suspectedmoderate to severe OSA who were poorly compliant to CPAP therapy and received high flow nasal insufflation (HFNI) postoperatively. None had significant episodes of desaturation (SpO2 < 95%) and all uniformly reported superior comfort levels, compared to the CPAP therapy. HFNI generates small amounts of positive end-expiratory pharyngeal pressure, increases inspiratory airflow and decreases dead space ventilation. Due to the open system, there is less difficulty with patient-mask interface and improved patient comfort. These factors help prevent hypopnea, and lead to enhanced sleep continuity. Hence, this device may be a good alternative to the CPAP therapy in the perioperative setting. PMID: 31304692 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Korean Journal of Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Korean J Anesthesiol Source Type: research