Applicability of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in the Pre- and Postoperative Management of Patients Eligible for a Lung Transplant Program: An Integrative Literature Review

Introduction: Lung transplantation is a surgical procedure performed to replace one or both lungs, using donated organs. A commonly used procedure in the postoperative phase of lung transplantation is the use of a High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC), which assists oxygenation and provides respiratory comfort to the patient. Objective: This paper aims to analyze the available scientific evidence on the use of high-flow nasal cannulas as a ventilatory support strategy in the pre- and postoperative management of patients undergoing lung transplantation. Methodology: This is a literature review study, where the search for articles was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, CAPES Journals, and LILACS databases, between the years 2014 and 2024, published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Results: 31 records were identified, and 3 studies met the inclusion criteria. In lung transplant recipients readmitted to the ICU due to acute respiratory failure, HFNC was associated with lower treatment failure (need for invasive mechanical ventilation) compared with conventional oxygen therapy. During flexible bronchoscopy in post-lung transplant patients, HFNC reduced the frequency of oxygen desaturation episodes and avoided procedure interruptions. In lung transplant candidates undergoing constant-load treadmill testing, HFNC increased endurance time compared with a Venturi mask. Conclusion: Despite the limited number of studies included in this review, the results showed that the use of therapy can reduce hypoxemia, especially post-operatively, and can also facilitate the rehabilitation process, increasing exercise tolerance.