Tolerance and Acute Effects of a New HFNT Nasal Cannula

In the care of patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD, supplemental oxygen therapy is often required. Oxygen is typically administered at flow rates between 1 and 4 liters per minute. High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) has been reported to have beneficial effects in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with severe COPD. Clinical efficacy in improving gas exchange depends upon patient tolerance and device-related properties such as flow rate and creation of turbulent flow in the conducting airways to improve oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. Alterations of nasal prong structure, such as nasal prong dimensions, may produce more robust turbulent flow at lower flow rates thereby improving gas exchange as well as patient tolerance. In this pilot study we will assess the impact of a new nasal cannula with asymmetric cannula dimensions that may create more turbulent flow at lower flow rates compared to the current symmetric nasal cannula on patient comfort as well as vital signs, pulse oximetry, breathing pattern and parameters of gas exchange in hospitalized patients with a COPD exacerbation.