Pressure-Limited Oxygen Insufflation via the Airway Exchange Catheter: An In Vitro Study

Oxygen insufflation through airway exchange catheters without pressure limitation during at-risk extubation and reintubation can cause fatal barotrauma. This in vitro study aimed at developing a setup made from basic anesthetic equipment capable of delivering oxygen at sufficient flows while restricting the maximum delivery pressure to 30 cm H2O at the distal end of the catheter. Connection to the anesthesia circle circuit system allowed involvement of the adjustable pressure-limiting valve and control of pressure. The catheters delivered clinically beneficial oxygen flows of 3.4 to 9.4 L min-1 at the targeted distal pressure of 30 cm H2O.