Description

High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)

High-flow therapy
Illustration of a patient using HFT device
Other names	High flow nasal cannula

This warm, humidified constant flow improves gas exchange and reduces work of breathing. High flow oxygen therapy is a form of respiratory support used in the hospital where oxygen, often in conjunction with compressed air and humidification, is  delivered traditionally to a patient in oxygen therapy. To deliver higher amounts of fiO2 effectively to your patient you have to not only match, but exceed your patient minute ventilation and inspiratory demands to minimize oxygen dilution.

The Benefits

HFT, the clinician can deliver higher FiO₂ to the patient than is possible with typical oxygen delivery therapy without the use of a. Heated humidification of the respiratory gas facilitates secretion clearance and decreases the development of bronchial hyper-response symptoms. Heated and Humidified oxygen has a number of benefits compared to standard oxygen therapy.  Oxygen therapy delivered through a nasal cannula. High-flow therapy is useful in patients that are spontaneously breathing but have an increased work of breathing.

High flow oxygen therapy is intended to: 

• Eliminate most of the anatomic dead space
• Create a reservoir with high FiO₂ in the nasal cavity
• Improve gas exchange
• Significantly reduce the work of breathing.