The OxyArm: a supplemental oxygen delivery device.

Facemasks and nasal cannulae are used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients in the postoperative period after general anesthesia. These devices are associated with several patient complications, including aspiration, hypercarbia, and mechanical trauma. A new device, the OxyArm, is designed to eliminate these problems. It is an "open oxygen" system that does not require physical contact with the patient's face. In this clinical study we evaluated the OxyArm in the immediate postoperative period. Sixty patients received supplemental oxygen via the OxyArm for the first 8 min after tracheal extubation after general anesthesia. Oxygen saturation values were continuously recorded during 3 4-min time periods: 1) while breathing oxygen through an endotracheal tube before tracheal extubation, 2) while breathing oxygen delivered by the OxyArm at 4 L/min 4 min after tracheal extubation, and 3) while breathing oxygen delivered by the OxyArm at 2 L/min 8 min after tracheal extubation. There were no significant differences in oxygen saturation among the three time periods and no patient experienced an oxygen desaturation event less than 88%. Patients and clinicians praised the OxyArm for its comfort and ease of use, allowing nursing facial care without interrupting oxygen therapy. We conclude that the OxyArm delivers adequate levels of oxygen for most patients during the early postoperative period.