Nitrogen purging of oxygen pipelines: an unusual cause of intraoperative hypoxia.

Elizaga, A M; Frerichs, R L · Anesth Analg · 2000

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Intraoperative hypoxia occurred in two patients during the maintenance of the medical gas system. Engineers were purging oxygen pipelines with nitrogen to remove particulate debris but were unaware of a connection to operating room pipelines. This case illustrates the importance of communication between anesthesia providers and engineers servicing the gas system.

Medical subject headings