The Open Emergency Medicine Journal

2010, 3 : 17-20
Published online 2010 August 02. DOI: 10.2174/1876542401003010017
Publisher ID: TOEMJ-3-17

Rescue Mask with Prefabricated Leak for Reduction of Accidental Stomach Inflation During Lay Rescuer Ventilation

Nicole Schnider , Klaus W. Graetz and Till S. Mutzbauer
Mutzbauer&Partner, Maxillofacial Surgery and Anesthesiology, Zuerich; Tiefenhoefe 11, CH-8001 Zuerich, Switzerland

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a simple method to minimize gastric inflation in unprotected airways during resuscitation procedures.

Methods: Ventilation of an airway simulator by use of a hose extended mask with leak and without leak and with or without additional oxygen (15 litres per minute). Experimental settings with artificial lung at a compliance = 300ml/ kPa and resistance = 0,5 kPa/ l/ s. Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure = 0,5 kPa.

Results: Tidal volumes were significantly lower with integrated leak than with the leak proof mask (medians: 406 vs. 681ml), gastric inflation was significantly reduced by use of the mask with leak (medians: 2300 ml vs. 7300ml) and inspiratory oxygen fraction was significantly higher when oxygen was added.

Conclusion: Gastric inflation may markedly be reduced, however not excluded, when a mask with a prefabricated leak is used instead of achieving a leak proof mask ventilation technique. With additive oxygen only the inspiratory oxygen fraction will be significantly higher which supports the benefit of additional oxygen.

Keywords:

Lay Rescuer Ventilation, Rescue Ventilation Mask, Stomach Inflation, Leak.