Preoxygenation--safety of induction
Szreter, T.
Anestezjologia Intensywna Terapia 40(3): 188-191
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0209-1712 PMID: 19469122 Document Number: 620357
Preoxygenation is a standard technique in general anaesthesia, but is frequently neglected. It has been proven that calm breathing of 100% oxygen allows for removal of 95% of the nitrogen from the body, replacing it with oxygen. This technique allows for safe intubation, even in difficult settings. The most efficient methods of preoxygenation are: 1. Calm breathing over 3 min via a tight face mask, of 100% oxygen delivered from the circle system, with a fresh gas flow of more than 8 L min-1; 2. Four vital capacity breaths of 100% oxygen over 30 s; and 3. Four deep breaths of 100% oxygen with subsequent insufflation of 100% oxygen via a nasal catheter. Preoxygenation should be always performed before induction of general anaesthesia, especially in children and high-risk patients. Unfortunately, many anaesthesiologists do not use this simple technique, usually because they regard it as unpleasant for patients.