Positioning the nasal oxygen cannula

A technique is proposed for positioning the nasal oxygen cannula during facial surgery performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. By placing the nasal prongs in the nostrils, and passing the tubing along the alar grooves, nasal dorsum, and forehead, the surgeon has full access to the preauricular areas, temporal regions, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and oral commissures. This method is easy to perform, provides secure positioning of the nasal oxygen, and allows access to areas of the face not possible with conventional placement of the oxygen cannula.