Lung volume changes in Apnoeic Oxygenation using Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) compared to mechanical ventilation in adults undergoing laryngeal surgery.

Background: Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) using high-flow 100% oxygen during apnoea has gained increased use during difficult airway management and laryngeal surgery due to a slower carbon dioxide rise compared to traditional apnoeic oxygenation. We have previously demonstrated high arterial oxygen partial pressures and an increasing arterial-alveolar carbon dioxide difference during THRIVE. Primary aim of this study was to characterise lung volume changes measured with electrical impedance tomography during THRIVE compared to mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Thirty adult patients undergoing laryngeal surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised to THRIVE or mechanical ventilation. Subjects were monitored with electrical impedance tomography and repeated blood gas measurement perioperatively. The THRIVE group received 100% oxygen at 70 l min during apnoea. The mechanical ventilation group was intubated and normoventilated with an FiO of 0.4.

Results: Mean age were 48.2 (19.9) and 51.3 (12.3) years, and BMI 26.0 (4.5) and 26.0 (3.9) in the THRIVE and mechanical ventilation group respectively. Mean apnoea time in the THRIVE group was 17.9 (4.8) min. Mean apnoea to end-of-surgery time was 28.1 (12.8) min in the mechanical ventilation group. No difference in delta End Expiratory Lung Impedance was seen between groups over time. In the THRIVE group all but three subjects were well oxygenated during apnoea. THRIVE was discontinued for the three patients who desaturated.

Conclusions: No difference in lung volume change over time, measured by electrical impedance tomography, was detected when using THRIVE compared to mechanical ventilation during laryngeal surgery.