EFFICACY OF A NOVEL 3D PRINTED FACEMASK WITH AN INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE NASAL CANNULA FOR PROVIDING APNEIC OXYGENATION BY ASSESSING ARTERIAL PARTIAL PRESSURE OF OXYGEN DURING LARYNGOSCOPY AND INTUBATION IN ADULT

Abstract

Background: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation necessitate a period of apnea, during which the risk of oxygen desaturation poses significant clinical concern. Apneic oxygenation techniques, such as high-flow nasal oxygen, have been shown to mitigate this risk. Leveraging advancements in 3D printing, we developed a novel face mask with an integrated, detachable nasal cannula designed to improve oxygen delivery during airway management.This study was conducted to  assess the effectiveness of a 3D-printed face mask with integrated nasal prongs in maintaining arterial oxygenation (PaO₂) during the apneic phase of laryngoscopy and intubation compared to a conventional face mask with a separate nasal cannula..Methods:A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 76 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A used the novel 3D-printed face mask with integrated nasal cannula; Group B used a standard face mask with a separate nasal cannula. Primary outcome measured was PaO₂ at the end of the apneic period. Secondary outcomes included PaCO₂ levels and clinician-rated ease of mask ventilation on a 5-point Likert scale. Results:Demographic and baseline clinical parameters were comparable between groups. Group A demonstrated significantly higher PaO₂ at the end of the apneic period (420 ± 30 mmHg) compared to Group B (380 ± 40 mmHg; p<0.01). PaCO₂ accumulation was significantly lower in Group A (45 ± 6 mmHg) versus Group B (50 ± 8 mmHg; p<0.01). Ease of mask ventilation was rated superior in Group A (mean Likert score 4.5 ± 0.5) compared to Group B (3.2 ± 0.8; p<0.01).Conclusion:The 3D-printed face mask with integrated nasal cannula significantly enhanced oxygenation and reduced carbon dioxide retention during apnea while improving the ease of mask ventilation. This novel device may represent a valuable advancement in airway management, particularly in scenarios requiring prolonged intubation efforts.