Massive Leak in CO2 Absorber of Perseus A500 Did Not Inhibit Mechanical Ventilation but Manual Bag Ventilation: A Case Report With Experimental Reproduction

Abstract

Massive leaks in the anesthesia circuit may cause intraoperative hypoventilation and awareness; we experienced this with a disposable CO2 absorber in Perseus A500, which uses turbine ventilation to create positive-pressure ventilation. Consequently, manual ventilation was rendered impossible. During prolonged surgeries, CO2 absorbers may be replaced by a new one. In our case, the replacement had an occult leak. Absorbers should be checked before the exchange, and the econometer or reservoir bag's filling state should be monitored. Anesthesia providers should know an anesthesia machine's dynamics and breathing system to provide appropriate management of such a leak.