Endoscopic procedures in patients with comorbidities such as Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), respiratory compromise, or anticipated difficult airways present considerable anaesthetic challenges. Intubation and positive pressure ventilation, although standard, can be detrimental in such patients due to risks of sympathetic stimulation, barotrauma, or prolonged recovery. Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) is gaining attention as a method to maintain oxygenation without intubation. We share our clinical experience using THRIVE during upper endoscopic procedures to avoid intubation in 10 high-risk patients, demonstrating its feasibility, safety, and clinical benefits.
Naba et al. (Sat,) studied this question.