Malignant Hyperthermia: An Anesthesiology Simulation Case for Early Anesthesia Providers

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Simulation
• Patient Safety

Background:

• A 12-year-old male with asthma developed malignant hyperthermia (MH) during elective inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
• The patient received IV induction with propofol, fentanyl, succinylcholine, and maintenance with isoflurane.

Purpose of the Study:

• To train medical students to identify signs of malignant hyperthermia (MH).
• To educate learners on the appropriate treatment, resuscitation, and follow-up care for MH.
• To evaluate the utility of simulation in preparing anesthesiology trainees for rare, life-threatening emergencies.

Main Methods:

• A simulation scenario involving malignant hyperthermia (MH) was conducted for 24 medical students.
• Anesthesiology faculty provided guided instruction and assistance during the simulation.
• Learners were tasked with identifying MH signs and implementing management protocols.

Main Results:

• Medical students reported positive feedback on the simulation's value in preparing them for rare anesthesia emergencies.
• The simulation effectively prepared learners to prioritize management of a life-threatening event.
• Learner evaluations and pre/post-tests were developed for future assessment.

Conclusions:

• Simulation training is highly beneficial for anesthesiology education, particularly for rare and critical conditions.
• This approach allows providers to gain experience with uncommon diseases in a safe, controlled setting.
• Future simulations will include other rare disease processes to enhance provider preparedness.