Implementation of bronchoalveolar lavage using a high-flow nasal cannula in five cases of acute respiratory failure.

In recent clinical practice, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has been used to improve oxygenation in adults with acute respiratory failure (ARF). However, bronchoscopy using HFNC in ARF has not yet been reported. Herein, we describe 5 cases of ARF where bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was employed successfully using an HFNC. We were able to discontinue or reduce the HFNC fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) 30 min after completion of the bronchoscopy. Only 1 patient needed non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for 16 h after bronchoscopy. The HFNC may be a useful tool for ARF patients who require bronchoscopy.