J U LY 2 0 1 6 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 1 9
There's a relatively new
tool in the malignant
hyperthermia arsenal —
activated charcoal filters
that quickly trap and
adsorb triggering agents
that remain in the breath-
ing circuit after flows of
volatile anesthetics are cut
off. The filters, which can
quickly be inserted into the
circuit's inspiratory and expiratory limbs, eliminate the need to disconnect and
manually ventilate the patient, freeing the anesthesia provider to oversee and
assist with the myriad other tasks involved in dealing with an MH emergency,
and potentially reducing the number of additional staff needed.
The filters can also be used to quickly prepare anesthesia workstations in
anticipation of MH-susceptible patients. In published tests (osmag.net/ra3hzn),
the filters reduced trace volatile anesthetic concentrations to acceptable levels
in less than 2 minutes, versus the "10 to 104 minutes of flushing normally
required to prepare a machine used previously to deliver a volatile anesthetic."
The Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) recom-
mends maintaining a supply of the Vapor-Clean filters, which are manufactured
by Dynasthetics (dynasthetics.com) and list for $599 for 8 pairs. The company
says the filters can be used on any make and any model of anesthesia machine.
— Jim Burger
NEW MH WEAPON
Should You Add Charcoal
Filters to Your MH Cart?
• TRAP AND ABSORB The Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United
States suggests you prepare anesthesia machines for MH-susceptible patients
with activated charcoal filters.
Dynasthetics
