Efficacy of High-Flow Humidified Oxygen (HFHO) in Apneic Oxygenation for Apnea Testing: A Comparison With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Brain death (BD) is characterized by a severe brain injury resulting in irreversible loss of all brain and brainstem functions, while other organs may remain viable. The diagnosis of BD is based on the presence of coma, absence of brainstem reflexes, and absence of spontaneous breathing confirmed by an apnea test. In France, the apnea test is mandatory prior to organ procurement. The apnea test aims to demonstrate that hypercapnia, a strong ventilatory stimulus, does not induce any respiratory movements. In current practice, the apnea test is performed by disconnecting the patient from mechanical ventilation for 8-10 minutes while administering oxygen. Oxygenation strategies during apnea vary across French centers. Although the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended, a substantial proportion of tests are still performed without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) effect, using either an open T-piece or an intratracheal oxygen catheter. These methods are associated with a higher risk of complications, such as hypoxemia, and potential adverse effects on organ function, which is particularly relevant in the context of organ donation. Humidified high-flow oxygen (HHFO), delivered via a specialized device connected to the endotracheal tube, provides high flow rates (up to 60 L/min), allows precise adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂ up to 1.0), and generates a minimal PEEP effect. HHFO is routinely used in intensive care units. While its feasibility during apnea testing has been reported, its efficacy during BD diagnosis has not been well evaluated. Preliminary observations in intensive care patients with clinical brain death suggest that HHFO can be safely used during the apnea test, allowing achievement of hypercapnia and confirmation of absence of spontaneous respiration while maintaining better oxygenation compared with conventional oxygen delivery via an open T-piece. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HHFO for apneic oxygenation during the apnea test, in comparison with the recommended method using CPAP.