NASAL CANNULA WITH RESERVOIR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Oxygen therapy is fundamental in the treatment of hypoxemia, but access to medical oxygen remains limited in many countries, particularly in low-income regions. Nasal reservoir cannulas were developed as oxygen-conserving devices that store oxygen during expiration and release it during inspiration, increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen without raising total flow. Objective: To conduct a systematic review on the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of nasal reservoir cannulas compared to standard nasal cannulas. Methods: Search of peer-reviewed literature databases including clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and simulation studies. Inclusion criteria: studies evaluating nasal reservoir cannulas in any population. Results: Seven studies were included. Reservoir cannulas provided oxygen savings of 1.8 to 3-fold compared to standard cannulas while maintaining or increasing peripheral oxygen saturation. In children, savings ranged from 1.1 to 2.6-fold. No significant carbon dioxide retention was observed in evaluated studies. Conclusion: Nasal reservoir cannulas are effective and safe for reducing oxygen consumption in chronic and acute hypoxemic patients, with particular relevance in resource-limited settings. Larger clinical trials are needed to define optimal protocols in pediatrics and acute hospital use.