%0 Journal Article %T Cardiac Postoperative Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula: A Retrospective Single-Center Study %A Emmanuel De Tandt %A Marc Nauwynck %J Open Journal of Thoracic Surgery %P 11-20 %@ 2164-3067 %D 2022 %I Scientific Research Publishing %R 10.4236/ojts.2022.121002 %X We aimed to investigate the risk factors and reason for initiation of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), its benefit on re-intubation rate, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) in the postoperative cardiac surgery patient in the ICU. Methods: In a retrospective and descriptive study, 200 patients, who underwent cardiac surgery, were randomly included, and screened for initiation of postoperative respiratory support. Demographic patient data and pre-operative patient measurements were sampled. Data concerning the P/F ratio at arrival- and post-extubation, LOS at ICU and overall mortality were sampled. A comparison of those variables was performed between patients with and without need of respiratory support. Results: HFNC was initiated in approximately 22.45% in 2018, and 25% in 2020, of the patients. Comparing both years didn¡¯t reveal a significant rise, but we saw a quicker use of HFNC in 2020. The all-case re-intubation rate and mortality was approximately 3%. The body mass index (BMI) was the only correlation with a higher chance of initiation of HFNC. Other data like age, pre-operative renal- or left ventricle function didn¡¯t show a correlation. Conclusion: In case of respiratory insufficiency in the postoperative cardiac surgery setting, HFNC is a worthy first line treatment option which is initiated if conventional oxygen therapy doesn¡¯t suffice. The mortality was low, and the mean LOS was 4.38 days. If respiratory support was started with HFNC mean LOS rose to 8.35 days. The BMI seems to have a correlation with the development of respiratory failure, which confirms the latest recommendation to start preventive HFNC in the post-extubation cardiac surgery setting and which could be implemented in the daily practice. %K Postoperative Respiratory Failure %K Cardiac Surgery %K HFNC %K Noninvasive Ventilation %K Reintubation %U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=115196