Low-Flow Nasal Cannula Hydrogen Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Therapy
• Gas Therapy

Background:

• Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is a biologically active gas utilized in healthcare.
• On-site H₂ generators using water electrolysis are increasingly used in clinical settings.
• Concerns exist regarding effective blood H₂ concentrations when delivered via nasal cannula at low flow rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate arterial blood hydrogen concentrations delivered by an H₂ gas generator via nasal cannula.
• To assess the efficacy of low-flow H₂ gas delivery in achieving therapeutic blood levels.

Main Methods:

• Administered 100% H₂ at 250 mL/min via nasal cannula to three spontaneously breathing miniature pigs.
• Utilized an oxygen mask to minimize H₂ leakage and ensure oxygenation.
• Monitored arterial blood H₂ concentration via a carotid artery catheter.

Main Results:

• Achieved mean arterial blood H₂ concentrations ranging from 1,190 to 1,740 nL/mL within the first hour.
• Observed blood H₂ saturations between 6.74% and 9.88%.
• Results indicate efficient H₂ uptake, comparable to theoretical maximums.

Conclusions:

• Inhalation of H₂ from gas generators via nasal cannula effectively increases blood H₂ concentrations.
• Achieved levels are consistent with those shown to be therapeutically effective in prior studies.
• The nasal cannula and oxygen mask combination is a practical method for reducing H₂ loss and maintaining oxygenation.