Oxygen Delivery System
An oxygen delivery system is any system used to deliver oxygen to the human body. Oxygen delivery systems are used to improve the quality of lives for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, heart failure, and some cases of COPD. Depending on the patient’s needs, different types of oxygen delivery systems are available. These systems can be used in the home or in a hospital.
One type of oxygen delivery system is an oxygen concentrator, which is a device used to deliver concentrated ambient air to an individual. This type of oxygen delivery system is the most common device used in the home or at a hospital. The oxygen concentrator uses pressure to increase the amount of oxygen in the air. A filter is used to filter out impurities and nitrogen, so that pure oxygen can be delivered through a cannula (a small tube) to the patient. The oxygen concentrator is also equipped with an alarm system that will alert if the oxygen levels drop too low.
Another type of oxygen delivery system is a mechanical ventilator. Ventilators are used to help move air in and out of the lungs, and can be adjusted to provide more or less pressure and oxygen. Ventilators can be used in both the home and hospital settings. A mechanical ventilator can be used for an acute or chronic illness, depending on the patient’s health and the severity of their condition. Ventilators can also be used to help ventilate patients with an obstructed airway, such as those with COPD or sleep apnea.
A third type of oxygen delivery system is an oxygen tank or cylinder. An oxygen tank is a portable container that hold oxygen in either pressurized tanks or liquid form. An oxygen cylinder is larger and may be used in a hospital. An oxygen tank is filled with oxygen, either by obtaining a bottle or by having it filled by a professional, and is then attached to a regulator. The regulator is used to control the flow of oxygen, which can be adjusted as needed. The oxygen is then delivered via a cannula to the patient.
Finally, a Nasal cannula is a small, plastic tube that is placed in the nostrils and delivers oxygen directly to the nose and throat from an oxygen tank, concentrator, or ventilator. This is the most common type of oxygen delivery system used for COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and heart failure. The oxygen is delivered through small plastic prongs and can be adjusted for specific needs.
No matter which type of oxygen delivery system is used, it is important to monitor oxygen levels regularly. Oxygen saturation should be monitored using a pulse oximeter. The oxygen saturation should remain above 90% for healthy individuals and above 88% for those with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and heart failure.
