High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a relatively new device for respiratory support. However, its use continues to increase as the system is easily set up and is well tolerated by the majority of patients. This article outlines the clinical findings of a recent study that compares outcomes of critically ill surgical patients extubated to HFNC versus conventional therapy. HFNC is designed to administer a heated and humidified mixture of air and oxygen at a flow higher than the patient’s inspiratory flow.
It provides a relative humidity of nearly 100% with the gas warmed to between 34°C and 37°C. Compared with ‘low-flow oxygenation’ or the high-concentration oxygen mask, HFNC improves patient tolerance by reducing the sensation of respiratory distress and mouth dryness. HFNC is increasingly used to reduce reintubations in patients with respiratory failure to its advantages such as providing…
