Comparison of the Effectiveness of Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilator Exchange (THRIVE) with Facemask Pre-Oxygenation in 40 Patients ≥65 Years of Age Undergoing General Anaesthesia During Gastrointestinal Surgery for Intestinal Obstruction

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilator exchange (THRIVE) with facemask pre-oxygenation in 40 patients ≥65 years of age undergoing general anesthesia during gastrointestinal surgery for intestinal obstruction. MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients with gastrointestinal obstruction were randomized to either a facemask group (group M, n=20) or THRIVE group (group T, n=20). During pre-oxygenation, the 2 groups used a facemask (100% oxygen, 6 L/min) and THRIVE (100% oxygen, 40 L/min) to supply oxygen, respectively. Induction of anesthesia was performed in both groups using facemasks and without mechanical or assisted ventilation. The intubation occurred after myorelaxant action began. When the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) dropped below 95%, or 480 s after administration of muscle relaxants, mechanical ventilation was initiated immediately. The primary outcome was arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) at 5 min after pre-oxygenation. A secondary outcome was time to SpO(2) of 95% during apnea, with a cut-off time of 480 s. RESULTS: PaO(2) at 5 min after pre-oxygenation was (261.5±30.9) mmHg for group M and (446.1±84.4) mmHg for group T (P<0.001). Based on survival analysis, the median time-to-event in group T was 480 s (95% CI 415.7 s – upper limit unknown) and 240 s (95% CI 225.9–254.1 s) in group M (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients undergoing rapid sequence induction, pre-oxygenation with THRIVE could improve oxygenation and extend safe apnea time, compared with facemask pre-oxygenation.