High-flow oxygen therapy

High-flow oxygen therapy (HFO) is a non-invasive respiratory support modality that delivers heated and humidified oxygen-rich gas at high flow rates (typically 30–60 L/min) through a nasal cannula. This specific intervention, developed and evaluated by University Hospital, Brest, in the DiStok clinical trial, involves an optimized strategy where HFO flow rates are dynamically adjusted based on real-time, non-contact measurements of lung volumes using a depth camera. The therapy works by washing out anatomical dead space, providing a low level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and meeting the patient's peak inspiratory flow demands. This optimized approach aims to improve alveolar recruitment and reduce the work of breathing, thereby potentially decreasing the rate of endotracheal intubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Other names

HFOHFNCHigh-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapyHigh flow oxygen therapy rate adjusted of lung volumes measured