title: [High nasal flow, the solution for hypoxaemia?]
abstract: High nasal flow (HNF) is a new method to deliver a high flow of oxygen (up to 60 l/min) through a nasal cannula. The inspiratory oxygen fraction can be set in a range from 21 to 100%. The inspired air is adjusted to body temperature and saturation. Many patients find it more comfortable than a conventional oxygen mask. In spite of these advantages, the mechanism of action is not completely understood and empirical evidence for its use is limited. This article provides a simplified explanation of variable positive airway pressure generation by HNF and related flushing of the anatomic dead space. Based on a short discussion of recent studies, it is concluded that HNF is a promising technique but that questions remain about the indications for use in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Noordwest Ziekenhuis, afd. Longziekten, Alkmaar.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: van den Aardweg
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000628:therapy*; D009666:Nose; D010100:Oxygen; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen