Evaluation of oxygen delivery with the use of nasopharyngeal catheters and nasal cannulas
Wilson, J.; Arnold, C.; Connor, R.; Cusson, R.
Neonatal Network Nn 15(4): 15-22
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0730-0832 PMID: 8716524 Document Number: 465167
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the differences between nasopharyngeal catheter and nasal cannula oxygen delivery systems in infants. Eleven subjects requiring supplemental oxygen were enrolled in the study. All infants received both therapies at three separate gas flow rates (0.5, 0.3, and 0.2 liters per minute). Infants had higher heart rates when receiving nasal cannula oxygen than when receiving nasopharyngeal catheter oxygen (p < .05). There were no significant differences between the two therapies when comparing pulmonary mechanics, hypopharyngeal oxygen concentrations, and respiratory rates. However, when oxygen was delivered at the higher flow (0.5 liters), heart rate, tidal volume, and oxygen concentration were higher, and respiratory rates were decreased for both methods (p < .05). Because minimal differences were found between these two methods, either may be an appropriate choice for delivering supplemental oxygen.