Novel innovative techniques for the prevention of hypoxia during anesthesia and in the critically ill - Oxygenation before and during anesthesia using high-flow nasal oxygen

The overall aim of this project is to generate novel approaches for prevention of acute hypoxia in the perioperative period and in critically ill patients.

Novel technology for preoxygenation and oxygenation will be evaluated in clinical trials, state-of-the-art patient-centred physiological monitoring and advanced mechanistical large animal experimental studies. Yearly, 10% of the population go through surgery.

Hypoxia remains the main ultimate cause of anesthesia-related death and morbidity and most of these events occurs during induction of anesthesia.

Complications during airway management in the ICU is common.In this project, we will in patient studies evaluate the effects and mechanisms for novel perioperative approaches to apnoic oxygenation using high-flow nasal oxygen.

We will also evaluate if apnoic oxygenation using a novel compressible nasal cannula can reduce complications during airway management in the critically ill patients.In addition, in a large animal model we will investigate the effect of high-flow nasal oxygen 1) during prolonged apnea on gas exchange and the cardiopulmonary system, and 2) on the effectiveness of CPR during cardiac arrest.

This project is based on a novel technology for oxygenation that dramatically have started to change current practice by reducing acute hypoxic events.

The results has a potential to become a game changer in the field of anesthesia and critical care and will serve as a basis for a safer patient management.