Researchers analyzed data from multiple clinical trials to see if a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is better than conventional oxygen therapy at preventing breathing problems during a bronchoscopy procedure. The review focused on over 1,000 high-risk patients, such as those with chronic lung disease (COPD) or obesity, who are more likely to have complications during this type of exam.
The main finding was that high-flow oxygen was linked to much better outcomes. Patients using HFNC were significantly less likely to have dangerous drops in blood oxygen (a condition called desaturation) and had fewer procedure interruptions. Their lowest oxygen levels during the procedure were also higher on average. There was no significant difference in how long the procedure took.
It's important to be cautious because the studies in this review had some limitations. For example, they used slightly different definitions for what counted as a breathing problem, and the medical staff knew which oxygen treatment patients were getting, which can influence results. The review did not report on safety concerns or side effects. This evidence supports using HFNC to make bronchoscopy safer for vulnerable patients, but it is based on a combined analysis of existing trials, not a single new study.