Preparing anesthesia equipment for suspected malignant hyperthermia episodes.

Malignant hyperthermia is a relatively rare condition which strikes susceptible patients undergoing surgery. This disorder is an inherited biochemical defect, triggered by certain anesthetic agents and stress. The patient suffers a rapid and potentially dangerous rise in temperature, brought about by an increase in metabolism. If a patient, by family history or test, is suspected of being susceptible to malignant hyperthermia, special precautions must be taken before proceeding with surgery. The clinical engineer must: 1) prepare special anesthesia equipment which is free of trace gases capable of triggering an episode of malignant hyperthermia; 2) provide special monitoring facilities to detect the onset of an episode; and 3) have treatment facilities on hand in the event that an episode does develop.