Portable Liquid Oxygen System Rental (E0433)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Oxygen concentrator rental, Home oxygen system rental
• Technical Term: Portable liquid oxygen system rental, home liquefier

Summary

A portable liquid oxygen system rental includes a home liquefier used to fill portable liquid oxygen containers. The rental package comes with portable containers, a regulator, a flowmeter, a humidifier, a cannula or mask, and tubing. It may also include a supply reservoir and contents gauge.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, and other respiratory conditions requiring supplemental oxygen.
• Goals: To ensure the patient receives adequate oxygen to maintain normal blood oxygen levels, improve activity tolerance, and enhance the overall quality of life.

Indications

• Patients with low blood oxygen levels who cannot maintain sufficient oxygen saturation without supplemental oxygen.
• Conditions such as COPD, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic respiratory diseases.
• Patients requiring continuous or episodic oxygen therapy at home.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: No specific preparations like fasting are required. However, patients might need to ensure their living area complies with safety guidelines for oxygen use.
• Diagnostic Tests: Arterial blood gas (ABG) test or pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels and determine the need for supplemental oxygen.

Procedure Description

1. Step-by-Step:
   • A home liquefier converts atmospheric air into liquid oxygen.
   • Portable containers are filled with liquid oxygen from the home liquefier.
   • The system includes necessary components like a regulator for oxygen flow control, a flowmeter, and a humidifier to prevent dry airways.
   • Cannulas or masks along with tubing are used to deliver oxygen to the patient.
   • Optionally, a supply reservoir and contents gauge monitor oxygen levels.
2. Tools and Equipment: Home liquefier, portable liquid oxygen containers, regulator, flowmeter, humidifier, cannula or mask, tubing, supply reservoir, contents gauge.
3. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

• Setting up the system and initial instruction typically takes 1-2 hours.
• The usage duration is ongoing, dependent on the patient’s medical needs and doctor’s prescription.

Setting

• The procedure is performed in the patient's home.

Personnel

• Respiratory therapists, home healthcare providers, trained medical equipment technicians.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Skin irritation from cannula or mask, dry or bloody nose due to dry air.
• Rare Risks: Risk of fire if oxygen is used near open flames or while smoking, potential for oxygen toxicity if improperly used.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved oxygen saturation, enhanced daily living activities, reduced hospital admissions.
• Realization Time: Immediate to within a few days after consistent use.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular maintenance of the equipment, monitoring oxygen levels.
• Recovery Time: Ongoing use based on chronic need, routine follow-up appointments with healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Other Options:
  • Compressed gas oxygen cylinders
  • Oxygen concentrators
  • Transtracheal oxygen therapy
• Pros and Cons:
  • Portable liquid oxygen provides higher oxygen storage capacity in a portable form but can be more expensive and requires regular refilling.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Minimal discomfort while setting up equipment, instruction phase.
• After Procedure: Potential adjustment to wearing cannulas or masks. Pain management and comfort measures include using humidifiers to prevent dryness, ensuring proper fit and positioning of cannulas or masks to minimize skin irritation.