Use of heat and moisture exchanger in intubated patients reduces the blockage in gas sampling tube of the mass spectrometer

Yet another way to clear water drops from ETCO 2 sampling line

“…There are different ways to overcome such problem viz, using auxillary oxygen[ 1 ] or compressed air to clean sampling line, prophylactically putting HME filters. [ 2 ]…”

Failed ventilation due to heat and moisture exchanger filters malfunction

“…[3] HMEF obstruction by contaminants, condensed water, hemoptysis, and proteinaceous material have been reported. However, a complete breathing obstruction of HMEF due to manufacturing defect, such as one-way valve causing air trapping, is rare.…”

“…The routine use of HMEF has been strongly recommended to avoid the obstruction during use of mass spectrometer in patients undergoing general anesthesia. [ 3 ] HMEF obstruction by contaminants, condensed water, hemoptysis, and proteinaceous material have been reported. However, a complete breathing obstruction of HMEF due to manufacturing defect, such as one-way valve causing air trapping, is rare.…”

An easy solution to obstructed sampling line: Auxillary oxygen flowmeter

“…This is with reference to the correspondence by Nataraj Madagondapalli Srinivasan, “Use of heat and moisture exchanger in intubated patients reduces blockage in gas sampling tube of the mass spectrometer,”[ 1 ] in the Jan–Mar 2011 issue of the Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia . We read it with interest as it discusses a rather common problem.…”