A novel, simple method of delivering oxygen for endoscopic procedures

A novel, simple method of delivering oxygen for endoscopic procedures: We describe a novel, yet simple method of delivering oxygen via a simple face mask during anesthetic care for upper endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiographic procedures. Some patients do not tolerate the nasal cannula, or they require higher oxygen (O2) concentrations. Normally, one would place a simple face mask for procedures not involving the mouth. However, for procedures in which the mouth needs to be accessed, applying a simple face mask is not possible. Therefore, to deliver O2 and provide access to the mouth, we cut a hole in the middle of a simple face mask (). This modification allows an easy opening for the endoscope and simultaneous delivery of O2 to the patient (). It also permits a method for monitoring of end-tidal CO2. While waiting for the procedure to start, and at the end of the procedure, if supplemental oxygen is still needed, paper tape may be placed over the hole to prevent loss of O2 to the atmosphere ().