Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Compare the performance of the OxyArm to that of nasal cannulae in the delivery of supplemental oxygen to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
METHODS:
We tested various oxygen flows with 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who were receiving prescribed supplemental oxygen. Blood oxygen saturation (measured via pulse oximetry [SpO2 ]), was measured with each device, and mean data were compared with paired, 2-sample t tests.
RESULTS:
Mean SpO2 was equivalent with OxyArm and nasal cannulae for 7 of the 10 subjects, over a range of oxygen flows (2-5 L/min). Mean SpO2 was higher with the OxyArm with 2 subjects and lower with 1 subject (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:
The OxyArm maintained stable SpO2 over the range of oxygen flows studied and at levels equivalent to those maintained by nasal cannulae in 9 of the 10 subjects. The OxyArm does not contact the face and may be ideal for patients on long-term home oxygen therapy.
Keywords
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