Open AccessComplete bacterial filter blockage by a plastic film
Author(s) -
Jiapeng Huang,
Kishin Dodwani,
Paul W. Simon,
Jing Zhou
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of anaesthesiology-clinical pharmacology/journal of anaesthesiology clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2231-2730
pISSN - 0970-9185
DOI - 10.4103/0970-9185.94902
Subject(s) - medicine , backup , tidal volume , filter (signal processing) , airway obstruction , volume (thermodynamics) , ventilation (architecture) , airway , anesthesia , computer science , respiratory system , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , operating system , physics , quantum mechanics
We describe a case where the expiratory bacterial filter was completely blocked by a plastic membrane. Significantly increased airway pressures and inability to deliver adequate tidal volume to the patient were experienced. The cause of machine failure could not be identified until a complete preanesthesia machine manual check was performed. All machines and circuits should be checked manually, even with the availability of new and advanced self-tests in machines. Backup ventilation equipments and familiarity with signs of expiratory and inspiratory limb obstruction should not be underestimated.