Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation reduces desaturation during bronchoscopy under moderate to deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil: A randomised controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Hypoxaemia is frequently seen during flexible bronchoscopies that are done with a nasal approach under the traditional sedation with propofol. This study investigated the potential benefits of supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) using the Wei nasal jet tube (WNJ) in reducing hypoxaemia in patients undergoing bronchoscopy under moderate to deep intravenous sedation using a propofol, lidocaine and remifentanil cocktail. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of SJOV via the WNJ during flexible bronchoscopy under moderate to heavy sedation with propofol and remifentanil. DESIGN: A randomised controlled clinical trial. SETTING: The 180th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Quanzhou, China, from 1 June to 1 November 2019. PATIENTS: A total of 280 patients aged ≥18 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status 1 to 3 undergoing flexible bronchoscopy were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned randomly into one of two groups, a nasal cannula oxygenation (NCO) group (n = 140) using a nasal cannula to deliver oxygen (4 l min(−1)) or the SJOV group (n = 140) using a WNJ connected to a manual jet ventilator to provide SJOV at a driving pressure of 103 kPa, respiratory rate 20 min(−1), FiO(2) 1.0 and inspiratory:expiratory (I:E) ratio 1:2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was an incidence of desaturation (defined as SpO(2) < 90%) during the procedure. Other adverse events related to the sedation or SJOV were also recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the NCO group, the incidence of desaturation in the SJOV group was lower (NCO 37.0% vs. SJOV 13.1%) (P < 0.001). Patients in the SJOV group had a higher incidence of a dry mouth at 1 min (13.1% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001) than at 30 min (1.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.159) or at 24 h (0% vs. 0%). There was no significant difference between the groups in respect of sore throat, subcutaneous emphysema or nasal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: SJOV via a WNJ during flexible bronchoscopy under moderate to deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil significantly reduces the incidence of desaturation when compared with regular oxygen supplementation via a nasal cannula. Patients in the SJOV group had an increased incidence of transient dry mouth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900023514).