Iatrogenic tension pneumothorax resulting from misconnection of the endotracheal tube to the auxiliary oxygen flowmeter of the anaesthetic machine.
Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia March 7, 2025 Desislava Bekkat-Berkani, Joanna Raszplewicz, Natalie Duffy
A 1-year-old male English Springer Spaniel developed tension pneumothorax shortly after intubation when the endotracheal tube was mistakenly connected to the auxiliary oxygen flowmeter instead of the breathing circuit. Prompt diagnosis based on reduced lung compliance, bradycardia, second-degree atrioventricular block, and barrel-shaped chest led to emergency needle thoracocentesis and bilateral thoracostomy tube placement. Computed tomography proceeded as scheduled with an added thoracic scan. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and ketamine infusions. Hospital review identified active and system failures, notably a 22 mm connector that fit both the endotracheal tube and oxygen mask. The auxiliary oxygen flowmeter was subsequently removed from preoxygenation use.