CPAP Reduces Hypoxemia After Cardiac Surgery

CPAP Reduces Hypoxemia After Cardiac Surgery (CRHACS Trial). A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of study is to evaluate whether the application of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after extubation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery can reduce hypoxemia and re-intubation rate.

We want to test the hypothesis that the application of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after extubation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery can reduce hypoxemia and re-intubation rate.

Primary end point: to reduce the rate of re-intubation.

Secondary end point: to reduce the incidence of atelectasis, pneumonia, sepsis, the mortality rate, the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass
• PaO2 /FiO2 < 200 after extubation
• extubation time < 24 h.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients < 18 years old
• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
• severe cardiac dysfunction (FE<25%)
• mechanical ventilation before the intervention
• severe COPD (patients on oxygen therapy, with a FEV1< 50%)
• heart or lung transplantation
• lack of consent.