Physiological Effects of Different Preoxygenation Strategies

Hypoxemia is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication during advanced airway management, associated with adverse outcomes such as hypoxic brain injury, cardiovascular collapse, and death. Effective preoxygenation is essential to increase oxygen reserves and prolong safe apnea time during intubation. Although several devices are routinely used for preoxygenation, including non-rebreather masks (NRM) and bag-valve masks (BVM) with or without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), important uncertainties remain regarding their actual performance and physiological effects.

Current evidence suggests that techniques providing PEEP may improve oxygenation by increasing functional residual capacity, enhancing ventilation of dependent lung regions, and reducing ventilation-perfusion mismatch. However, the relative contribution of FiO₂ delivery versus PEEP, as well as the physiological effects on respiratory mechanics and cardiovascular function, are not fully understood. In addition, it remains unclear whether BVM devices without a dedicated PEEP valve can generate measurable PEEP, and whether patients can generate sufficient inspiratory effort to effectively operate BVM valves without assisted ventilation. Data in pediatric populations are particularly limited.

This randomized crossover study is designed to systematically evaluate the performance of commonly used preoxygenation devices under controlled conditions in healthy adult and pediatric volunteers. By comparing NRM, BVM without PEEP, and BVM with PEEP-with and without supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula-the study aims to characterize differences in oxygen delivery, airway pressure generation, inspiratory effort, and their physiological impact.

The study will focus on key physiological domains, including oxygenation (FiO₂), respiratory mechanics (tidal volume, airway pressures, and diaphragm activity), lung aeration (with particular attention to dependent lung regions), and cardiovascular responses (including right ventricular dimensions and function). Measurements will be obtained using non-invasive monitoring techniques, including gas analysis and ultrasound.

The crossover design allows within-subject comparisons across all study conditions, minimizing inter-individual variability and enabling precise assessment of device-related effects. The findings of this study are expected to improve understanding of the mechanisms and physiological consequences of preoxygenation strategies, with potential implications for optimizing airway management practices in both adult and pediatric populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score ≤ 2
• Children aged 5 to 12 years with an ASA physical status score ≤ 2
• Ability (or legal guardian ability) to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Children aged < 5 years or 13 to 18 years
• ASA physical status score > 2
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²
• Known airway pathology or anatomical abnormality that could affect mask fit, ventilation, or oxygenation
• Presence of an active airway infection at the time of the study
• Pregnancy
• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent