British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Efficiency of two variable performance techniques of oxygen therapy in relieving postoperative hypoxaemia.
The efficiency of two patient-dependent, variable performance techniques of oxygen therapy in relieving hypoxaemia after upper abdominal surgery was compared. A high-flow system delivered a humidified mixture of oxygen 2 litre min-1 and air 13 litre min-1 through a cannula inserted into the anterior nares. ⋯ With the patients breathing room air, arterial hypoxaemia could be demonstrated with Pao2 inversely related to age. The increase of Pao2 during either oxygen treatment was significantly greater with the low flow system.