Nasal high‐flow oxygen in pediatric anesthesia and airway management

Nasal High‐Flow (NHF) is weight‐dependent in children, aimed to match peak inspiratory flow and thereby deliver an accurate FiO 2 with a splinting pressure of 4‐6 cm H 2 O. During apnea in children, NHF oxygen can double the expected time to desaturation below 90% in well children but there is no ventilatory exchange; therefore, children do not “THRIVE”. Total intravenous anesthesia competency to maintain spontaneous breathing is an important adjunct for successful NHF oxygenation technique during anesthesia. Jaw thrust to maintain a patent upper airway is paramount until surgical instrumentation occurs. There is no evidence to support safe use of NHF oxygen with LASER use due to increased risk of airway fire.