Cardiac arrest following ventilator fire: A rare cause

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Safety
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Operating room fires, though rare, pose significant risks, including severe patient harm and mortality.
• Anesthesia-related fires, particularly those involving ventilators, are exceptionally uncommon and poorly documented.
• The combination of an oxygen-rich environment and potential ignition sources creates a risk for fire and explosion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a near-catastrophic anesthesia ventilator fire resulting in cardiac arrest.
• To discuss the potential causes and immediate management of such a rare event.
• To emphasize the importance of vigilance and preparedness for operating room fires.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy.
• Description of a ventilator fire event leading to intraoperative cardiac arrest.
• Review of the patient's resuscitation, recovery, and potential etiological factors.

Main Results:

• A patient experienced a ventilator fire during subtotal thyroidectomy, leading to cardiac arrest.
• The cardiac arrest was likely caused by severe hypoxia from inhaling toxic gases (e.g., carbon monoxide).
• The patient was successfully resuscitated and recovered without any lasting adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the potential for severe complications, including cardiac arrest, from anesthesia ventilator fires.
• Ignition sources within ventilators, combined with an oxygen-rich atmosphere, are plausible causes.
• Swift medical intervention is crucial for successful resuscitation and preventing long-term sequelae in such rare emergencies.