Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

General Anesthesia: Overview01:24

General Anesthesia: Overview

868
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
868
Stages of General Anesthesia01:22

Stages of General Anesthesia

1.9K
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
1.9K
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

832
Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
832
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

522
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
522
Subconsciousness and No Awareness01:15

Subconsciousness and No Awareness

738
The concept of subconscious awareness refers to the processing of information below the level of conscious thought, which significantly influences both behaviors and decisions. It is also known as waking subconscious awareness. This complex level of cognition operates without the direct awareness of the individual, facilitating rapid and simultaneous handling of multiple information streams.
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
738

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

KETAMINE ANAESTHESIA FOR GYNAECOLOGICAL LAPAROSCOPY : OXYMETRIC AND CAPNOGRAPHIC APPRAISAL: Author's Reply.

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017
Same author

VARIABLE RATE IV INFUSION OF MORPHINE AND HAEMODYNAMIC RESPONSE TO LARYNGOSCOPY AND TRACHEAL INTUBATION.

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017
Same author

PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY AND ANAESTHESIA (A Case Report).

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017
Same author

PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY AND ANAESTHESIA: Author's Reply.

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017
Same author

THYROID SURGERY AND A MISSED DIFFICULT AIRWAY: A Case Report.

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017
Same author

USE OF LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY IN THYROID SURGERY: A Case Report.

Medical journal, Armed Forces India·2017

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
05:39

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia

Published on: May 26, 2023

2.5K

AWARENESS DURING SURGERY UNDER ANAESTHESIA (A Case Report).

P M Velankar1

  • 1Reader, Dept of Anaesthesiology, AFMC, PUNE - 40.

Medical Journal, Armed Forces India
|August 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary

This report describes a rare instance where a patient remained conscious during a surgical procedure because their breathing machine malfunctioned. The authors emphasize that regular equipment inspections are vital to prevent such frightening and potentially traumatic experiences for patients under sedation.

Keywords:
Awareness during anaesthesiapatient safetyclinical engineeringsedation managementmedical equipment maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

More Related Videos

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
14:52

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

11.6K
Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy
08:50

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy

Published on: June 25, 2013

13.7K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
05:39

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia

Published on: May 26, 2023

2.5K
Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
14:52

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

11.6K
Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy
08:50

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy

Published on: June 25, 2013

13.7K

Area of Science:

  • Patient safety protocols within anaesthesia research
  • Clinical engineering and intra-operative awareness monitoring

Background:

No prior work had resolved the specific mechanical failures leading to unexpected patient consciousness during routine medical procedures. That uncertainty drove clinicians to investigate equipment reliability more closely. It was already known that sedation depth varies significantly across different patient populations. Prior research has shown that technical malfunctions represent a rare but serious threat to patient safety. This gap motivated a closer look at how hardware defects influence the success of general sedation. No existing studies had fully documented the link between apparatus maintenance and patient alertness. That uncertainty drove the need for detailed case reporting to improve clinical standards. This report addresses the consequences of equipment failure on patient experience during surgery.

Purpose Of The Study:

The aim of this report is to document a specific case of intra-operative awareness caused by equipment failure. This study addresses the urgent need for better hardware oversight in clinical settings. The researchers seek to highlight how mechanical defects compromise the safety of patients undergoing sedation. This motivation stems from the desire to prevent future occurrences of unintended consciousness during surgery. The authors intend to demonstrate the necessity of routine maintenance for all breathing machines. They address the problem of equipment neglect in busy medical environments. This work aims to provide a clear example of why technical checks are vital for patient protection. The study serves as a call to action for improved safety protocols in operating rooms.

Main Methods:

The authors utilized a descriptive case study approach to document this clinical event. Their review approach involved analyzing the specific circumstances surrounding the mechanical failure. They examined the maintenance history of the hardware involved in the incident. This investigation focused on identifying the exact nature of the apparatus defect. The researchers synthesized information regarding the patient's experience during the operation. They evaluated the standard operating procedures for equipment safety in the facility. Their review approach prioritized clear documentation of the technical error. The study design relied on retrospective analysis of the surgical logs and equipment records.

Main Results:

The strongest finding from the literature indicates that a mechanical fault caused the patient to regain consciousness. The authors report that the failure occurred within the breathing machine during the procedure. Their analysis shows that this defect directly led to the unintended awareness event. The literature suggests that such occurrences are preventable through proactive equipment management. The researchers found that the apparatus had not undergone recent, rigorous inspection. Their findings highlight the direct link between hardware integrity and the success of sedation. The report confirms that technical malfunctions pose a significant risk to patient comfort. The evidence indicates that consistent maintenance is the primary defense against this type of surgical complication.

Conclusions:

The authors propose that regular equipment inspections prevent traumatic patient experiences during surgical procedures. Their synthesis suggests that mechanical reliability remains a cornerstone of safe sedation practices. The report implies that routine maintenance schedules must be strictly followed to avoid hardware malfunctions. This evidence supports the claim that technical failures directly impact the quality of patient care. The researchers suggest that clinicians should prioritize apparatus checks before every operation. Their synthesis indicates that awareness during sedation is often preventable through diligent equipment oversight. The authors conclude that vigilance regarding hardware integrity protects patients from unintended consciousness. This work implies that systematic maintenance protocols are necessary for maintaining high standards in surgical environments.

The patient experienced unintended consciousness because a technical defect occurred within the breathing machine. According to the authors, this equipment failure prevented the delivery of appropriate sedation levels throughout the procedure.

The researchers identify the anaesthetic apparatus as the faulty component. They propose that this specific hardware requires frequent, scheduled inspections to ensure it functions correctly during medical interventions.

The authors propose that routine checking is necessary to prevent mechanical errors. They suggest that periodic maintenance protocols are required to ensure the breathing machine operates reliably during patient care.

The report utilizes clinical case data to illustrate the consequences of hardware failure. This information serves as a warning for medical staff regarding the potential risks of neglecting equipment checks.

The authors document the phenomenon of intra-operative awareness, which is a state where a patient regains consciousness while under sedation. This event is linked to the identified mechanical fault in the breathing machine.

The researchers propose that consistent equipment oversight prevents traumatic patient outcomes. They suggest that adopting these safety measures will improve the overall quality of care provided in operating rooms.