Fire, Extreme Heat Potential Risks in Anesthesia Machines With Dessicated Sevoflurane

Medscape Staff Report

Nov. 20, 2003 — Abbott Laboratories issued a "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter this week concerning reports of fire or extreme heat in the respiratory circuit of anesthesia machines when sevoflurane (Ultane) is used in conjunction with a desiccated CO₂ absorbent, which can result in patient injury, according to an alert from MedWatch, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety information and adverse event reporting program.

Sevoflurane is indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult and pediatric patients for inpatient and outpatient surgery.

The letter provides suggestions to reduce the risk of occurrence of these adverse events, such as replacing the CO₂ absorbent suspected of being dessicated; completely shutting off the anesthesia machine at the end of clinical use; and verifying the integrity of packaging of new CO₂ absorbents prior to use.

Abbott, in collaboration with the FDA, is investigating the causative and preventive factors surrounding the issues of fire, extreme heat, and potential breakdown products associated with the use of sevoflurane and and other potentially desiccated CO₂ absorbents.

Reviewed by Gary D. Vogin, MD

Medscape Medical News © 2003  Medscape

Cite this: Fire, Extreme Heat Potential Risks in Anesthesia Machines With Dessicated Sevoflurane - Medscape - Nov 20, 2003.