Oxygenating mouthguard alleviates hypoxia during gastroscopy

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Intravenous sedation during gastroscopy can lead to oxygen desaturation.
• Standard mouthguards do not provide supplemental oxygen.
• Hypoxemia poses a risk to patient safety during endoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel oxygenating mouthguard (Oxyguard) in maintaining arterial oxygenation during gastroscopy.
• To compare oxygen saturation levels between patients receiving oxygen via the Oxyguard and those on room air.
• To assess the incidence of significant and severe oxygen desaturation with and without supplemental oxygen.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 242 sedated patients undergoing gastroscopy.
• A randomized crossover study in 21 patients comparing standard vs. oxygenating mouthguards.
• Administration of oxygen at 3 liters/min via the Oxyguard.
• Monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry.

Main Results:

• Oxygen desaturation (SpO2 < 90%) occurred in 25% on room air vs. 3% with oxygen (p < 0.001).
• Severe desaturation (SpO2 < 85%) was prevented by the Oxyguard.
• Minimum oxygen saturation levels were significantly higher with oxygen (90.5%) than room air (86.5%; p < 0.001).
• The crossover group consistently showed higher oxygen saturation with the Oxyguard.

Conclusions:

• The oxygenating mouthguard effectively alleviates hypoxemia and prevents severe desaturation during gastroscopy.
• Supplemental oxygen via the Oxyguard improves arterial oxygenation in sedated patients.
• Continuous monitoring of arterial oxygenation is recommended, as hypoxemia can still occur.