Supplemental Oxygen for Apnea During Colonoscopy

This trial examines different methods of providing extra oxygen to individuals undergoing a colonoscopy. Researchers aim to determine which method best prevents breathing pauses and low oxygen levels during the procedure. The trial tests three methods: the usual constant oxygen flow (supplemental oxygen), a new device that delivers oxygen only during inhalation (breath-synchronized oxygen), and a mask that applies pressure to keep airways open (CPAP). This trial involves adult patients without life-threatening conditions who are undergoing a colonoscopy with sedation at the University of Utah Health clinic in South Jordan, Utah. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the safety and comfort of colonoscopies.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Research shows that synchronized flow oxygen therapy, using the FDA-approved Sovant device, reduces breathing interruptions and drops in oxygen levels. In a previous study, an incident of interrupted breathing caused only a slight decrease in blood oxygen, indicating that this method is generally safe and well-tolerated.

For CPAP therapy, studies have demonstrated its ability to lower the risk of low oxygen levels during procedures. Specifically, one study found that CPAP reduced low oxygen incidents from 25.3% to 7.6% in patients undergoing endoscopy. This suggests CPAP could be a safer choice for managing oxygen levels during sedation.

Researchers are excited about the trial of supplemental oxygen techniques for apnea during colonoscopy because it explores innovative ways to improve patient safety and comfort. The Synchronized Oxygen Flow arm uses a breath-synchronized delivery system, which pulses oxygen at the start of inhalation, potentially reducing oxygen waste and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, the CPAP arm utilizes continuous positive airway pressure to maintain airway openness, automatically adjusting oxygen flow to ensure optimal pressure. These advanced delivery methods could enhance breathing support during procedures compared to the traditional continuous oxygen flow, potentially leading to better outcomes and patient experiences.

This trial will compare different methods of oxygen delivery during colonoscopy. Research has shown that CPAP, one of the methods tested in this trial, can significantly reduce the risk of low oxygen levels during procedures. In one study, CPAP lowered the chance of low blood oxygen from 25.3% to 7.6% in patients. Another method under study, the Sovant device, provides oxygen only during inhalation, which can help improve oxygen levels during sedation. Although specific data on using these devices during colonoscopies is limited, they have effectively maintained stable oxygen levels in other medical situations. Overall, both CPAP and these oxygen-delivery devices have shown promise in reducing breathing problems during procedures.¹²³⁴⁵