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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow
Published on: January 13, 2017
[Fire and explosion hazard during oxygen use in operating rooms]
C J Kalkman1, C Romijn, A T van Rheineck Leyssius
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Kenniscentrum Patiëntveiligheid, Utrecht. c.j.kalkman@umcutrecht.nl
Abstract:
In both 2006 and 2007 a large operating room fire occurred in the Netherlands. One patient died as a result of a sudden intense flash fire caused by a leaking oxygen connection. Smaller operating room fires can cause severe burn injuries and inhalation trauma in patients. An oxygen-enriched atmosphere is an important causative factor in most surgical fires. Inflammable substances and ignition sources, such as a diathermic knife or laser, may be present in the operating theatre and environs. The combination of these 3 components (fuel, oxygen and ignition) increases the risk of operation room fires. Prevention and control of this hazard depends on removal of one or more of the 3 components.
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