High flow nasal cannula oxygen versus bag-valve-mask for preoxygenation before intubation in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure – a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Critically ill patients with respiratory failure undergoing intubation have an increased risk of hypoxemia-related complications. An increasingly used means of oxygen delivery with theoretical advantages is its application via high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). This study was therefore conducted to compare HFNC with bag-valve-mask (BVM) for preoxygenation in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Methods: Randomized controlled trial randomizing 40 critically ill patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure to receive either HFNC or BVM for preoxygenation before intubation in the intensive care un…