ABSTRACT
Objective To observe characters of sputum of patients with tracheotomy by heat and moisture exchanger(HEM)undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)in multi-person chamber.Methods In randomly block design,239 patients were selected and received HBOT using HEM combined with L-shape tube(group HEM,n=128)and by L-shape tube(group L,n=111)respectively.The characters and volume of sputum,times of sucking sputum and cases of sealing/extubation of tubes were assessed over first and tenth sessions of HBOT.Results The times of sucking and volume of sputum over first session of HBOT in the group HEM were more than those in group L.The sputum was changing from ropiness over first session to tenuity over tenth sesion(P＜0.01).Cases with sealing/extubation of tubes in group HEM were more than those of group L(P＜0.01).Conclusions It is helpful to humidify and discharge deposited sputum of patients over routine hyperbaric oxygen by HEM.And the case8 of sealing/extubation of tubes are also reduced.