The Effect of High-flow Nasal Oxygen Flow Rate on Gas Exchange During Apnoea

Apnoeic oxygenation refers to oxygenation that occurs through the insufflation of oxygen into the lungs in the absence spontaneous respiration or positive pressure ventilation. It is used to extend the time to desaturation at induction of anaesthesia and as a primary oxygenation technique during airway surgery. The impact of high-flow nasal oxygen flow rate selection on gas exchange is poorly understood. Participants in this study will be randomised to receive a certain nasal oxygen flow rate during apnoea and its effect on gas exchange will be measured by blood gas analysis.