Author reply
We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the recent report on innovative draping methods to minimize elevated oxygen concentrations in ophthalmic surgical fields. We agree that using a standard nasal cannula does not absolutely eliminate the risk of fire during ophthalmic surgery, but we still assert that it is safer than using a face mask. One of the studies cited by Tao and Hirabayashi found oxygen levels higher than atmospheric (25.8%) at the left lateral canthus when delivering oxygen via nasal cannula at relatively high flow rates (6 liters/min). Readings were (Read more...)