Using Nasal Specs During Intubation Gives You More Time….

 January 8

by Jonathan Downham

Using Nasal Specs During Intubation Gives You More Time….

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the influence of nasal oxygen (O2) administration on the duration of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≥95% during simulated difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Patients: 30 obese men undergoing general anesthesia. Interventions: After thorough preoxygenation, and using total intravenous anesthesia, simulated difficult laryngoscopy was performed, with half the patients receiving additional nasal O2 during apnea. Measurements: Duration of SpO2 ≥95% was measured up to a maximum of 6 minutes. Lowest SpO2 values and time to regain 100% SpO2 (resaturation time) also were recorded. Main Results: Nasal O2 administration was associated with significant prolongation of SpO2 ≥95% time (5.29 ± 1.02 vs. 3.49 ± 1.33 min, mean ± SD), a significant increase in patients with SpO2 ≥95% apnea at 6 minutes (8 vs. one pt), and significantly higher minimum SpO2 (94.3 ± 4.4% vs. 87.7 ± 9.3%). Resaturation times were no different between the groups. Conclusions: Nasal O2 administration is associated with significant increases in frequency and duration of SpO2 ≥95%, and higher minimum SpO2 during prolonged laryngoscopy in obese patients.
 Previous Article
Next Article

share this

Related Posts

Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease Part 2

We return to our 48-year-old patient: jaundiced, hypotensive, drowsy, and bleeding. In decompensated cirrhosis, every treatment targets a disrupted system — splanchnic vasodilation, portal hypertension, toxin accumulation, and renal hypoperfusion.Although these patients look fluid overloaded, they are effectively hypovolaemic. Start with small aliquots of balanced crystalloid, avoiding 0.9% saline. In hepatorenal syndrome or tense ascites, 20% albumin is

Read More

Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease

In this episode, I walk through the real-world critical care management of acute decompensated alcohol-related liver disease, using a high-risk ICU case to anchor the discussion. The focus is on understanding the underlying physiology—portal hypertension, rebalanced haemostasis, hepatic encephalopathy, infection, and hepatorenal syndrome—and translating that physiology into clear first-hour priorities at the bedside.  Listeners are

Read More