Recurrent Failure of Positive-Pressure Ventilation: Machine Malfunction or a Rare, Unexpected Cause?

A 64-YEAR-OLD MAN with a biopsy-proven ameloblastoma, a benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaw,1 presented for a partial mandibulectomy. His medical history was significant for smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease controlled with occasional albuterol inhaler use, and coronary artery disease treated with a coronary artery bypass graft and subsequent stent placement. His medications included aspirin, beta blockers, and nitrates. His functional capacity was greater than 4 metabolic equivalents, although he reported occasional shortness of breath on exertion.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Diagnostic Dilemma Source Type: research