Automated oxygen delivery system
Overview
Automated closed loop control of inspired oxygen concentration(FIO2) delivery system is a system where by the amount of supplemental oxygen delivered through nasal cannula, mask or ventilator to the patient is based on the oxygen saturation(SpO2) level of the patient without the need for manual adjustment every time there is a need for change(1).
Introduction
supplemental Oxygen is used for patient who have problem in their pulmonary function where by the amount of oxygen in the room air is not adequate enough to maintain their metabolic need. In this case patients are given a higher concentration of oxygen to maintain their metabolism. This is very common in the premature neonates and adults with COPD. The premature neonates with respiratory failure may require suplemental oxygen for a longer period of time. The use of oxygen for a prolonged period may pose a risk for the newborn resulting in oxidative damage to the eyes (retinopathy of prematurity), lungs (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and central nervous system. On the other hand insufficient oxygen supplement to the premature newborn can result in detrimental effect in multiple organs such as patent ductus arteriosus, hypoxic damage to the brain and pulmonary vasculature which can increase the mortality rate. Supplemental oxygen used in adults for acute respiratory failure while they are in the Hospital and chronic pulmonary diseases in and outside the Hospital. Even though the risk from too much oxygen is not as significant as in the newborn, it still poses a danger to some adult patients. At the same time an inadequate amount of oxygen may cause serious injury or death(1).
Therefore a regulated and balanced oxygen delivery that is within the intended range of oxygenation for the individual patient is very important in averting the possible complication of over-oxygenation and under-oxygenation. In some instances it helps in decreasing the amount of oxygen and resource used as in emergency air transport of some patients(2).
How it works
The automated oxygen delivery system is a combination of three important units: a unit that monitors the arterial oxygen saturation of the patient, a unit that receives an input of level Spo2 from the pulse oximeter adjusts the amount or concentration of oxygen(FIO2) and a unit that delivers controlled flow of fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2)(1).
Reference
1. Claure N, Bancalari E. Automated closed loop control of inspired oxygen concentration. Respir Care. 2013 Jan;58(1):151-61. doi: 10.4187/respcare.01955. Review. PubMed PMID: 23271825. retrieved on 7/20/2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=historysearch&querykey=1
2. Johannigman JA, Branson R, Lecroy D, Beck G. Autonomous control of inspired oxygen concentration during mechanical ventilation of the critically injured trauma patient. J Trauma. 2009 Feb;66(2):386-92. doi: 10.1097/TA.0b013e318197a4bb. PubMed PMID: 19204511. retrieved on 7/20/2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19204511
Submited by Jemal Ebrahim
