Airway Fires Essay, Research Paper
Do oxygen-enriched atmospheres exist beneath surgical drapes and contribute to fire hazard potential in the operating room?
Title/Abstract
The title accurately reflects the description of the study undertaken, while the abstract describes the study, method, and supported outcome of the study. The research question is presented in an attempt to bias the reader is made by stating, “ oxygen concentrations beneath the drapes were significantly reduced with the use of the scavenger system.” Methods used to collect data were quasi experimental. Dependent variables are oxygen concentration at room air, oxygen concentration at various liter rates, and oxygen delivery systems. Independent variable is the use of a savaging system. The author’s variable of intent was to develop a correlation between the use of a scavenging system and decreasing the oxygen concentration under surgical drapes.
Problem Statement/Conceptual Framework/Results
The theoretical framework is presented with a pictorial summary of the theory of combustion. The author uses the fire triangle to present essential concepts regarding how combustion starts and is supported. This theory is outdated. The National Fire Service is now applying a Fire Tetrahedron to the theory of combustion. It would seem that this theory should have been presented first to allow the reader a better understanding of the basic principles behind combustion. Descriptions of the variable are listed in a table as draped/no drape, oxygen flow rate, and concentration of oxygen beneath drapes with and without scavenger system. Level of significance was * .0001.
Literature Review
In reviewing the literature used, it seems as if the author had difficulty obtaining information regarding this specific subject. Many articles were obtained regarding fires that occurred as a result of cautery that ignited surgical drapes, sponges, and other combustible items. The author does state that many disputes were noted regarding questioning supplemental oxygen as contributing factor in these documented fires. The literature review is very thorough in presenting supporting documentation on diminishing oxygen concentrations under surgical drapes via a scavenging system.
Methodology/Sampling
The sample size was limited to 12 “healthy individuals”. Sampling did not include any individuals with major health issues. Power calculation was not used. The institutional review board cleared the study.
Discussion
The study was described in excellent detail, which was easily understood. The graphs were easily understood and meaningful to the article. The author gives enough detail to replicate the study at other institutions. Overall, the study did what it was designed to do, which was to the answer a very specific question. As discussed by the author, there are many limitations with the study, with the most obvious being, the limitations in the ability to generalize findings to other populations, and the use of “healthy” individuals without serious medical conditions. One important variable that the author does make mentioned of and did not manipulate is the five-minute interval time between measurements, which was based on previous study. Overall, it seemed as if the research was done appropriately, but the following changes are recommended:
1) Enhance the specimen cup/suction tubing scavenger system.
2) Adjusts the interval times between measurements.
3) Increase sample size.
4) Involved Class ASA III & IV patients to the study.