Nasal Oxygen Therapy After Cardiac Surgery

NOTACS aims to determine if prophylactic use of high-flow nasal therapy (for a minimum of 16 hours after tracheal extubation, inclusive of up to one hour off randomised therapy for transfers around the hospital and/or physio mobilisation) increases days at home in the first 90 days after surgery, for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. The study also incorporates a health economic analysis to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of HFNT versus standard oxygen therapy at 90 days, from the view-point of the public sector, NHS and patients.