Dead in the air? Case report highlighting need to adapt to CoVID adaptations

Kuehnel, Nicholas A.; Rhonda Yngsdal-Krenz, R.T.; Glazer, Joshua M.

During the recent CoVID-19 pandemic, airway management recommendations have been provided to decrease aerosolization and risk of viral spread to healthcare providers. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) viral filters and adaptors are one way to decrease the risk of aerosolization during intubation. When placed proximal to the ventilator circuit, these viral filters and adaptors can create a significant amount of dead space, which in our smallest patients can significantly impact effective ventilation. We report a case of hypoventilation in a pediatric patient due to lack of provider team appreciation or ventilator sensing of additional dead space due to HEPA viral filter and adaptor.