Abstract
The purpose of this report is to describe a potentially hypoxic event which occurred during mask induction with the Bain circuit in a healthy, ASA I boy. Failure of induction occurred because a pop-off weight from a bubble bottle was lodged in the elbow connecting the Bain circuit to the mask and prevented gas flow. Pethick and Foëx-Crampton Smith tests of the Bain circuit could also have missed this condition. Such an anaesthetic mishap could occur with any breathing circuit which is re-used. Although there was no serious misadventure, the potential for an hypoxic complication with either intra-venous induction of anaesthesia, or dislodging of the weight into the airway was significant. We conclude that the standard tests of system patency do not ensure safety.
Résumé
Cette observation décrit une cause potentielle d’hypoxie survenue pendant l’induction avec un circuit Bain, au masque, de l’anesthésie chez un jeune garçon ASA I. La présence dans le raccord coudé de branchement entre le circuit Bain et la masque d’une pesée de surpression provenant d’une bouteille de barbotage obstrue le débit des gaz. Les tests de Pethic et Foëx-Crampton sur le circuit Bain n’auraient pas décelè cette anomalie. Ce type de problème peut survenir lorsqu’un circuit anesthésique est réutilisé. Bien qu’ici on ne puisse déplorer de complication grave, la possibilité d’une hypoxie lors d’une induction intraveineuse ou par migration du corps étranger dans les voies aériennes est réelle. Nous concluons que les test standards d’intégrité du circuit n’assurent pas une complète sécurité.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Bain JA, Spoerel WE. A streamlined anaesthetic system. Can Anaesth Soc J 1972; 19: 426–35.
Wyant GM. Mechanical Misadventures in Anaesthesia. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1978.
Eisenkraft JB, Sommer RM. Equipment failure: anaesthesia delivery systems.In: Benumof JL, Saidman LJ (Eds.). Anesthesia and Perioperative Complications. Toronto: Mosby Year Book, 1992: 77–127.
Foëx P, Crampton Smith A. A test for co-axial circuits (Letter). Anaesthesia 1977; 32: 294.
Pethick SL. (Letter.) Can Anaesth Soc J 1975; 22: 115.
Seed RF. A test for co-axial circuits. More questions and further suggestions (Letter). Anaesthesia 1977; 32: 676–7.
Mansel WH. Bain circuit: “The hazard of the hidden tube.” Can Anaesth Soc J 1976; 23: 227.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wilkes, P.R.H., Lindsay, P.A. Bain circuit occluded by foreign body. Can J Anaesth 41, 137–139 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03009807
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03009807