key: cord-0690383-akaqblbz
authors: Tatham, Kate C.; Ko, Matthew; Palozzi, Lisa; Lapinsky, Stephen E.; Brochard, Laurent J.; Goligher, Ewan C.
title: Helmet interface increases lung volumes at equivalent ventilator pressures compared to the face mask interface during non-invasive ventilation
date: 2020-08-15
journal: Crit Care
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-020-03216-7
sha: 83f1c6f528965d3bee66f48c92475aa5c553ab76
doc_id: 690383
cord_uid: akaqblbz

nan

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivered by a helmet interface in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been associated with a lower rate of intubation, and mortality, compared to face mask NIV [1] . The mechanism accounting for this apparent benefit is uncertain; postulated mechanisms include more effective delivery of airway pressure due to better sealing of the interface and/or higher inspiratory flows.

During routine care of two patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, we used electrical impedance tomography ('EIT', Draeger Pulmovista 500) to monitor ventilation while transitioning from face mask to helmet NIV. The transition to helmet NIV was a clinical decision prompted by worsening respiratory failure on face mask NIV, with the goal of avoiding intubation. EIT is a noninvasive imaging technique that permits visualization of lung volumes and the distribution of ventilation. Its high temporal resolution can detect rapid changes in lung volume during tidal ventilation and during adjustments to ventilator settings [2] . After calibration, EIT signals were recorded while the patients were ventilated on face mask NIV (Draeger V500 or BiPAP-Vision). We then exchanged the mask interface for a helmet interface (StarMed CaStar-R, Intersurgical), resuming ventilation at the same inspiratory and expiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP, EPAP) settings. During the transition, patients breathed without support at functional residual capacity. Global and regional end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) and tidal impedance variation (TIV) were recorded throughout ( Fig. 1 ). Twenty breaths were recorded under each condition (Table 1) . Changes in end-expiratory lung volume were computed from changes in end-expiratory lung impedance by normalizing changes in lung impedance during tidal breathing to tidal volume measured by the ventilator [3] . Consent was obtained from the patients/legal representatives.

Transition from face mask to helmet NIV was associated with a significant increase in EELI, predominantly in the ventral lung regions (Fig. 1) . These changes in EELI were consistent with increases in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) of 690 ml and 320 ml above FRC in the first and second patients, respectively (Table 1) . Tidal impedance variation was redistributed dorsally in the second patient, possibly reflecting recruitment of previously non-ventilated lung regions. In both patients, oxygen saturations improved and FiO 2 requirements decrease, on helmet NIV compared to face mask NIV ( Table 1 ). The first patient required intubation after several hours on NIV via helmet; after 7 days of invasive mechanical ventilation, the patient recovered and was discharged to the ward. The second patient recovered after 24 h on helmet NIV and was discharged to the ward.

In summary, we observed that helmet NIV interface was associated with higher EELV compared to face mask NIV, even though the applied pressures were unchanged. This effect-and the potential lung recruitment that may accrue in some patients in consequence-might explain the apparent benefit of helmet NIV observed in a recent trial [1] . The mechanism accounting for this increase is unclear, potentially due to either a reduction in leak or a reduction in expiratory muscle activation. Studies are required to confirm this clinical finding and to delineate the responsible mechanisms. Of note, this report is not intended to suggest that helmet NIV should be applied with identical settings to face mask NIV, as previous investigators have shown that increases in pressure are required to unload the respiratory muscles because of lags in the pressurization of the helmet [4] . Rather, these results suggest the possibility that for any given pressure applied, helmet NIV may more effectively maintain EELV in comparison to the face mask interface.

Abbreviations ARDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; EELI: End-expiratory lung impedance; EELV: End-expiratory lung volume; EIT: Electrical impedance tomography; EPAP: Expiratory positive airway pressure; IPAP: Inspiratory positive airway pressure; NIV: Non-invasive ventilation; TIV: Tidal impedance variation

Effect of noninvasive ventilation delivered by helmet vs face mask on the rate of endotracheal intubation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Electrical impedance tomography in adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation: a systematic review

Effects of sigh on regional lung strain and ventilation heterogeneity in acute respiratory failure patients undergoing assisted mechanical ventilation

Helmet with specific settings versus facemask for noninvasive ventilation

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The authors acknowledge the valuable contributions of Mr. Tim Slogan RRT, Mr. John Traill RRT and Ms. Vagia Campbell RRT to this research letter.Authors' contributions KCT, MK, LP, SL, LJB and ECG contributed to the study conception and design and to the analysis/interpretation of data and manuscript preparation. All authors have approved the submitted version.

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

KT: Dr. Tatham reports grants from National Institute for Health Research (UK), the Academy of Medical Sciences and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, outside the submitted work. LB: Dr. Brochard reports grants from Medtronic Covidien, grants and nonfinancial support from Fisher Paykel, grants and non-financial support from Air Liquide, non-financial support from General Electric, from Philips, outside the submitted work. EG: Dr. Goligher is supported by an Early Career Investigators Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr Goligher also reports nonfinancial support from Draeger, non-financial support from Timpel, personal fees and non-financial support from Getinge, outside the submitted work. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose. Received: 3 June 2020 Accepted: 28 July 2020