Intra-oral ignition of monopolar diathermy during transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE).
We present the case of unanticipated airway ignition during hard palate biopsy. Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) and monopolar diathermy were utilised for the procedure, during which an arc arose from the diathermy tip to a titanium implant, causing a brief ignition on the monopolar diathermy grip. This case highlights the need for maintained awareness of fire risk when using diathermy in the presence of THRIVE during airway surgery.
Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
D
D
Onwochei
Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
K
K
El-Boghdadly
Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
R
R
Oakley
Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
I
I
Ahmad
D000368:Aged; D058109:Airway Management; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003972:Diathermy; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D009055:Mouth; D010159:Palate / Q000473:pathology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium
airway fire; airway ignition; diathermy; oral surgery