What Is High-velocity Nasal Insufflation Therapy?

High-velocity nasal insufflation therapy, or HVNI, is an innovative new technology for treating individuals with a variety of serious respiratory conditions. It utilizes narrow tubing and a small nasal interface called a cannula to deliver oxygenated air at velocities great enough to dislodge waste gas from the lungs without the mechanical pressure of non-invasive positive-pressure (NIPPV) devices such as CPAP and BiPAP machines. At the same time, it’s a less restrictive fit for patients than oxygen therapies requiring masks and far less invasive than tracheal intubations. Patients with HVNI are able to eat, drink, converse, and take oral medications, all while receiving breathing assistance. Baptist Health is using an HVNI system developed by Vapotherm®, the recognized leader in the field.

High-velocity nasal insufflation therapy is a promising new avenue for improving the care of persons with pulmonary disorders.

What Is High-velocity Nasal Insufflation Therapy Used For?

HVNI will:

• Deliver oxygenated air to and remove waste gases from persons suffering from respiratory failure
• Provide breathing support for persons with a tracheal intubation
• Support the breathing function of patients who have been extubated (taken off tracheal intubation).

HVNI can potentially address a wide range of respiratory disorders in spontaneously breathing patients. This encompasses individuals suffering from either hypoxemia (low oxygen blood levels) or hypercapnia (high carbon-dioxide blood levels).  

What Are the Benefits of High-velocity Nasal Insufflation Therapy?

HVNI has many advantages over competing oxygen-delivery systems, including:

• High rates of oxygen absorption based on an accelerated flow rate
• Improved exhalation of waste gases from the lungs and other parts of the pulmonary system
• A heated and moistened air supply, for greater breathing comfort, increased mucus expectoration, and less risk of condensation forming in the tubes and cannula
• More relaxed breathing
• The comfort of a mask-free delivery system, enabling the patient to speak, eat, and drink
• Lower likelihood of lung damage than positive-pressure systems.

How Does High-velocity Nasal Insufflation Therapy Work?

A Vapotherm HVNI system produces breathable gas by mixing oxygen with compressed air. This gas is also heated and humidified prior to circulation. The gas enters the nose by means of a nasal cannula, which is a narrowed section of tubing that accelerates the flow of air. It is the accelerated rate of flow that increases the patient’s oxygen levels, while eliminating pockets of waste gas and decreasing the labor required to breathe. The nasal cannula is considerably smaller, and therefore less intrusive, than the masks required by other non-invasive oxygen-delivery systems.

Let Baptist Health Help You Breathe Easier

Coughing fits? Shortness of breath? These may be red flags for a serious medical condition. Be sure to contact your Baptist Health primary care physician.