A case of HME obstruction by distilled water from incidentally mounted heated wire circuit kit: A case report. |
Chae In Jeong, Sang Il Lee, Yeo Hyun Ahn, Ji Yeon Kim, Kyung Tae Kim, Jang Su Park, Jung Won Kim |
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea. knighder@nate.com |
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Abstract |
Heat-moisture exchanger (HME) is an inexpensive and effective device used to prevent respiratory complications that can be caused by endotracheal tube insertion during general anesthesia. But, HME can increase airway resistance and be occluded by the patient's secretions. Whether a HME could be occluded by clear fluids such as condensate in the airway circuit is not certain yet. In vitro, a case of HME occlusion by normal saline was reported. We report a case of HME obstruction by distilled water came from the heated wire circuit which was unintentionally connected to the HME. |
Key Words:
Distilled water; Heat and moisture exchanger; Heated wire circuit; Obstruction |
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