Does the use of high flow nasal oxygen therapy improve lung function after open heart surgery in obese patients?

Direct extubation onto high flow nasal prongs post cardiac surgery versus standard treatment in patients with a BMI = 30: A randomised controlled trial   



Funding year: 2010



Amount funded: $59,574



Lead researcher:
Ms Amanda Corley RN BN GradCert Hsci

Research team:
Dr Adrian Barnett BSc(Hon) PhD
Assoc. Prof. John Fraser MBChB, MRCP, FRCA, FFARCSI, FJFICM
Miss Amy Spooner RN BN Grad Cert Crit Care, Grad Dip Crit Care



Location of research:
The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside



Project description:
Open heart surgery is being performed on increasing numbers of obese patients. Almost a third of patients undergoing open heart surgery are classified as obese. It is known that these patients are more prone to post operative complications, particularly lung collapse and that they recover more slowly from these complications. This increase in complications and slower recovery leads to longer intensive care unit and hospital stays. Our previous research has shown that high flow nasal prongs (HFNP) create positive airway pressure and that patients who are obese benefit even more from the positive effects of HFNP. Our study also showed that the patients' oxygen levels improved and their breathing felt more comfortable with the HFNP. Therefore, it is necessary that we further investigate the effects of HFNP on obese patients after cardiac surgery, in an attempt to reduce complications, particularly lung collapse.