Effect of laser puncture on arterial blood gases for mechanically ventilated patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose. To determine the effect of laser puncture on arterial blood gases for mechanically ventilated patients. Design. Single blind randomized controlled trial. Methods. Forty patients participated in the study, they were recruited from the critical care unit in Cairo University hospitals Kasr el Einy hospitals, Cairo, Egypt; their ages ranged from 50-70 years old, through a period of 33 months (from May 2016 to February 2019). Confidentiality was assured. They were assigned randomly into two groups equally in number; 20 patients each: Group (A) patients received both Laser puncture with an output of 5–20 mW, wavelength of 905 nm and frequency of 5000 Hz. laser probe stimulated on each point for 1 min, once daily for 10 days and routine intensive care physical therapy program twice per day. Group (B) patients received a routine intensive care physical therapy program (modified postural drainage, airway clearance techniques, lung expansion techniques and circulatory exercises for lower limbs) twice per day for 10 days. Pre and post Blood gas analysis for assessment of arterial blood gases (PaO2, PaCO2, O2%, and PaO2/FiO2) for all patients. Results. This study revealed improvement in PaO2/FiO2 in group (A), non significant change in PaO2, PaCO2 level, O2% after 10 days in both groups. Conclusion. Laser puncture had a significant effect in PaO2/FiO2, so this study supports the value of laser puncture on arterial blood gases for mechanically ventilated patients.