A comparison of the OxyArm oxygen delivery device and standard nasal cannulae in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
OBJECTIVE
Compare the performance of the OxyArm to that of nasal cannulae in the delivery of supplemental oxygen to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.


METHODS
We tested various oxygen flows with 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who were receiving prescribed supplemental oxygen. Blood oxygen saturation (measured via pulse oximetry [S(pO2)]), was measured with each device, and mean data were compared with paired, 2-sample tests.


RESULTS
Mean S(pO2) was equivalent with OxyArm and nasal cannulae for 7 of the 10 subjects, over a range of oxygen flows (2-5 L/min). Mean S(pO2) was higher with the OxyArm with 2 subjects and lower with 1 subject (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The OxyArm maintained stable S(pO2) over the range of oxygen flows studied and at levels equivalent to those maintained by nasal cannulae in 9 of the 10 subjects. The OxyArm does not contact the face and may be ideal for patients on long-term home oxygen therapy.
Dinesen
Timothy
T
Dinesen Research Group, One Leeds Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 1N9.
McDonald
Lee
L
McDonald
Sandy
S
DuVall
Donald
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity; D010092:Oximetry; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*