Airway obstruction in heat & moisture exchanger filter: A case report.
- Author:
Mee Young CHUNG
1
;
Weon Joon YANG
;
Ji Young LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. leeji@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Airway obstruction;
Heat and moisture exchangers
- MeSH:
Airway Obstruction;
Bronchial Spasm;
Hot Temperature;
Humans;
Hydrothorax;
Respiration
- From:Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
2011;6(1):96-99
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Heat and moisture exchanger filters (HMEF), used for humidification of patient respiratory gas and filtering microorganisms can cause airway obstruction. We experienced serious airway obstruction in a HMEF after making hydrothorax for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure. The airway obstruction was difficult to differentiate from severe bronchospasm irresponsive to bronchodilator therapy. It was relieved dramatically after we removed the filter from the breathing circuit as soon as we detected air-fluid meniscus in it.
