Different Low Flow Rates on Gas Exchange in Children During Apnea

This study is examining whether different low flow rates of oxygen delivered through the nose (called apneic oxygenation) during the brief period of breath-holding at the start of general anesthesia in children can prevent carbon dioxide from building up too quickly in the blood. In young children, this window between stopping assisted breathing and placing a breathing tube is particularly risky for low oxygen levels, and apneic oxygenation helps extend the safe window, but how it affects carbon dioxide accumulation at different flow rates is not yet well understood. Children aged 1 to 6 years, weighing 10–20 kg, and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with ASA physical status I or II are eligible, while those with breathing conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, or heart or blood problems are excluded. Participation involves monitoring of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels during the routine anesthesia induction process, with supplemental oxygen delivered at the assigned flow rate. This summary was prepared to help patients understand the study in plain language.