The use of nitrous oxide 'cracking' technology in the labour ward: a case report and patient account

19^th International Conference on Clinical & Medical Case Reports

April 17-18, 2024 | Paris, France

J. Khan-Perez

North West School of Anaesthesia, Manchester, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clin Med Case Rep

Abstract :

Nitrous oxide is a common choice of labour analgesia in many countries. However, its use is associated with significant cost to the environment as well as potential risks of long-term occupational exposure. Our hospital is one of a small number of healthcare providers in the United Kingdom trialling technology which catalytically destroys (‘cracks’) nitrous oxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and occupational exposure. When used in the setting of inhaled analgesia, cracking technology relies on capturing the patient’s exhaled breath via a facemask or mouthpiece, a technique which requires some user skill and may be challenging for patients. In this report, we present the case of a primiparous 35-year-old consultant anaesthetist, who used nitrous oxide cracking technology with inhaled nitrous oxide analgesia (via a facemask) during labour. We present the patient’s experiences and discuss the implications of using such technology on ambient nitrous oxide levels in the delivery room. Notably, despite this patient’s professional expertise and familiarity with facemask use, nitrous oxide remained detectable throughout her labour, although generally at low levels. This illustrates that whilst this technology has the potential to reduce ambient nitrous oxide levels, its efficacy may vary depending on how it is used, with implications for patient education and support.

Biography :

Jennifer Khan-Perez is a Core Anaesthetics Trainee at the Northwest School of Anaesthesia in the UK. She is currently working at Wythenshawe Hospital and collaborating in projects with other researchers in collaboration with MedClair Invest, investigating the possible use of Nitrous “cracking” technologies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of nitrous oxide in hospitals. Jennifer completed her Undergraduate Medical Degree, with European Studies, at the University of Manchester. She completed a Masters degree in Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine and has worked in Spain, the UK and Australia. Jennifer has a wide variety of interests including medical illustration, the role of “gamification” in medicine, the use of new technologies in healthcare, and is passionate about Quality Improvement and grassroots-level change.