This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of a nasal mask versus a standard nasal cannula for oxygen delivery during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed under target controlled propofol infusion anesthesia with SedLine brain function monitoring. Hypoxemia during procedural sedation is a common and clinically relevant event, especially during upper endoscopy and combined procedures. The study aimed to determine whether nasal mask oxygenation reduces hypoxemia compared with nasal cannula oxygenation when sedation depth is guided with electroencephalography based monitoring.
Eligible adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were randomly assigned to receive oxygen either via a nasal mask or via a nasal cannula. Oxygen was administered at a fixed flow rate according to the study protocol. Sedation was provided with target controlled propofol infusion, and SedLine monitoring was used to guide sedation depth throughout the procedure.
The primary outcome was the occurrence of hypoxemia, defined as peripheral oxygen saturation at or below 90 percent. Secondary outcomes included severe hypoxemia, duration of hypoxemia, lowest peripheral oxygen saturation value, need for airway interventions, other adverse events during the procedure, procedure time, recovery time, and operator satisfaction ratings. The study has been completed.