Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Two SpO2 Targets With Two Different Oximeters - Impact on FiO2 During Nasal High Flow Oxygen Therapy

Several factors can influence oxygenation monitoring and respiratory support through oxygen therapy: the type of oximeter used, skin pigmentation, and the oxygenation target. It is essential to have an accurate measurement of SpO2 in order to optimize the flow of oxygen or FiO2 administered to patients. The question arises as to the impact of these confounding factors on the FiO2 set during high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of the oxygenation target and the oximeter used on FiO2 in patients receiving high-flow nasal oxygen therapy.

HFTO Via Tracheal Intubation in Neurocritical Patients

Neurocritical patients often require prolonged invasive ventilation due to impaired respiratory drive and airway protection deficits. While early weaning reduces complications and costs, these patients frequently pass spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) yet remain intubated solely for airway protection. Current practice maintains low-level pressure support ventilation (5-8 cmH₂O) to offset endotracheal tube resistance. However, prolonged ventilation increases risks of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and diaphragm dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests appropriately sized tubes may not substantially increase work of breathing (WOB). High-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) delivers heated, humidified oxygen at high flow rates, reducing WOB and improving oxygenation and comfort. While validated for tracheostomized patients, HFOT via tracheal intubation (HFOT-TI) remains unstudied in neurocritical populations during early weaning. This study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of HFOT-TI in neurocritical patients who have passed SBT but require ongoing airway protection.