Summary

Advice

The technology described in this briefing is SuperNO2VA. It is used for preventing and relieving upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. The device can be used during intubation and postoperatively in the post-anaesthesia care unit for patients having general anaesthesia, or during the entire procedure for patients having deep sedation. The company states that SuperNO2VA can be used in other patients at risk for respiratory compromise, including those with a high body mass index, severe congestive heart failure and moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This medtech innovation briefing reviews its use only in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
The innovative aspects are that it can deliver both oxygen and ventilation and is portable, allowing use from preoperative through to postoperative care.
The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to current oxygen delivery devices for perioperative use in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 5 studies (2 observational studies, 2 case reports and 1 case series) including a total of 98 adult patients in a secondary care setting. They show that SuperNO2VA could potentially maintain oxygenation in obstructive sleep apnoea patients perioperatively.
Key uncertainties around the evidence are that there is no UK evidence, and existing evidence is limited in both quality and quantity.
The cost of SuperNO2VA ranges from £23.25 to £37.75 per unit (exclusive of VAT). The resource impact is uncertain. The company claim that SuperNO2VA could be resource-releasing if greater benefits, such as reduced hospital stay or reduced adverse events, are achieved. There is currently no published evidence to support these claims.