Korean J Anesthesiol.  1990 Feb;23(1):100-102. 10.4097/kjae.1990.23.1.100.

Obstruction of Ventilator Exhalational Valve due to High Moisture Content in compressed Air - A case report

• Kim JS
• Lee YS
• Kim SY
• Kim MH
• Kim JR

• KMID: 1933744
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1990.23.1.100

Abstract

An air-compressor system takes atmospheric air, and filters, pressurises and dries it, before delivering it to the pipeline as a medical air. Because the air supplied by the air compressor may be used to wentilate patients or to drive surgical tools, its quality and purity must be carefully controlled. Atmospheric air contains a variable amount of water vapour but always more than is specified for medical air. Water vapour must be removed from medical air since it can damage surgical tools and some ventilators and can condense in low-lying parts of the pipeline system. Reeently we have had experience of pneumothorax by pulmonary barotrauma associated with obstruction of the ventilator exhalational valve. As a result of investigating the possible causes, we concluded the cause as high moisture content in the compressed air due to the malfunctioning air drier and filters. Therefore we submit this case report along with discussion and literature reviews.

Keyword

Ventilator; Air compressor

MeSH Terms

Barotrauma
Compressed Air*
Humans
Pneumothorax
Ventilators, Mechanical*
Water
Water