Guidelines for the Use of 100% Oxygen on Ventilator and Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Balancing Safety and Harm

Introduction

Oxygen is vital to life and a central element of cardiopulmonary support. During cardiac surgery—whether on mechanical ventilation or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)—100% oxygen is often used out of tradition or perceived safety. However, accumulating evidence shows that hyperoxia can be harmful, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ dysfunction [1][2].

This article outlines current evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate use of 100% oxygen, while highlighting the hazards of hyperoxia and the importance of titrating oxygen according to patient needs.

1. Use of 100% Oxygen on the Ventilator

a. Pre-induction and Intubation

• Recommended: Preoxygenate with 100% FiO₂ for 3–5 minutes to prevent desaturation.
• Short-term use is safe and standard in anesthetic practice.

b. During Hypoxia or One-Lung Ventilation

• Use 100% FiO₂ when necessary to maintain SpO₂ > 92–94%.
• Monitor for potential oxygen toxicity during prolonged exposure.

c. In the ICU (Postoperative Ventilation)

• Prolonged use of 100% oxygen is not recommended.
• Target SpO₂: 92–96%; Target PaO₂: 80–100 mmHg.
• Hazards of hyperoxia in ICU:

Key Guidelines: WHO Clinical Oxygen Use (2021) [7], ATS/IDSA (2020) [8], ICU-ROX & LOCO2 Trials [9]

2. Use of 100% Oxygen During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)

a. CPB Initiation

• 100% FiO₂ is acceptable at the start of CPB for safety and system priming.
• Should not be maintained unnecessarily once stable flows are established.

b. CPB Maintenance

• Routine use of FiO₂ 1.0 should be avoided.
• Recommended PaO₂ range: 150–250 mmHg
• Titrate FiO₂ to 0.6–0.8 depending on ABG and temperature.

Hazards of Hyperoxia During CPB:

• Coronary vasoconstriction leading to reduced oxygen delivery [10]
• Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative damage [11]
• Worsened outcomes in kidney and brain function [12]

c. CPB Weaning

• 100% oxygen not required in all cases.
• Use FiO₂ sufficient to maintain PaO₂ > 120 mmHg and good lung inflation.
• Wean gradually and respond to ABG, SvO₂, and saturation—not habit.

Key Guidelines: EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP (2024) [15], AmSECT Standards (2023) [16]

Conclusion

While oxygen is life-saving, excessive oxygen—especially when used without monitoring—can be dangerous. Modern perfusion and ventilation strategies must shift away from automatic 100% FiO₂ use and move toward evidence-based, goal-directed oxygen therapy.

By integrating clinical guidelines with an understanding of hyperoxia-related harm, perfusionists and intensivists can optimize outcomes and avoid preventable complications during and after cardiac surgery.

References

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2. Moens, M., et al. (2019). «Oxygen and Cardiovascular Protection: A Double-Edged Sword?» Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 34(3), 392-398.
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15. European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and European Society of Anaesthesiology (EACTAIC). (2024). «Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Bypass.» European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 35(5), 1047-1056.
16. American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT). (2023). «Standards for Perfusion Practice.» AmSECT Standards Review, 40(1), 1-18.