High Flow Nasal Cannula and Non-Rebreather Mask – An Approach to Avoid Tracheal Intubation in COVID-19 Patients to Maintain Normal Oxygen Saturation – A Case Series

Abstract

Recently caused pandemic by newly discovered corona virus (COVID-19) has affected millions of people all over the world. Most people infected develop mild to moderate illness and recover without serious implications while few may develop serious pulmonary exhibitions like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. These pulmonary findings may cause decrease in oxygen saturation where tracheal intubation becomes fundamental and life saving. In this case series, we present four COVID-19 patients where intubation was avoided by using high flow nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask together to maintain the oxygen saturation in a COVID-19 intensive care unit.