SPECIFICATION:

High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) systems are used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients with respiratory failure or insufficiency.

• The high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a device used to deliver fixed supplemental oxygen or airflow to a patient or person in need of respiratory help
• high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy was introduced, accompanied by heated humidification systems to prevent the associated drying of upper airway mucosa and to increase patient comfort.
• High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Treatment is a non-invasive respiratory support therapy that delivers warm, humidified, oxygen-enriched air to patients, usually using a nasal cannula.
• Typically used in spontaneously breathing patients who typically require oxygen at higher flow rates.
• It can provide respiratory support of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and prevent subsequent intubation when used correctly.
• This greatly enhances patient comfort and ease of use.
• HFNC significantly reduced the respiratory rate, heart rate and increased pulse oximetry.

Components:

1. Flow Generator: Delivers a high flow of gas, typically between 30 to 60 liters per minute.
2. Humidifier: Adds moisture to the gas to prevent drying of the respiratory tract.
3. Heater: Warms the humidified gas to body temperature (around 37°C).
4. Nasal Cannula: Soft prongs inserted into the nostrils to deliver the gas.
5. Oxygen Blender: Allows precise mixing of oxygen with air, enabling adjustable FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen).

Key Features:

• User Interface: Often features a touchscreen or control panel for adjusting settings.
• Alarms: Include alerts for high/low flow, high/low FiO2, system disconnections, and temperature deviations.
• Portability: Some models are designed for easy transport within medical facilities.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Systems are designed for easy disassembly for cleaning and sterilization.

Clinical Considerations:

• Patient Comfort: Soft, flexible nasal prongs and heated, humidified gas improve tolerance.
• Therapeutic Efficacy: High flow rates can help reduce work of breathing, improve oxygenation, and support respiratory mechanics.
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory parameters is essential.

These systems are widely used in hospitals and clinical settings for a variety of respiratory conditions, including COPD exacerbations, pneumonia, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.