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Editorial
. 2025 Apr;134(4):893-897.
doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.12.021. Epub 2025 Feb 21.

Airway fires during use of high-flow nasal oxygen: a cause for concern

Craig Lyons  1 , Malin Jonsson Fagerlund  2
Affiliations
Editorial

Airway fires during use of high-flow nasal oxygen: a cause for concern

Craig Lyons et al. Br J Anaesth. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

The value of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in anaesthetic practice is well recognised. Its roles are diverse, with the potential to oxygenate patients whether they are breathing or apnoeic, and whether they are awake, sedated, or anaesthetised. HFNO is administered without incident to thousands of patients worldwide on a daily basis. Major complications associated with its use are rare. However, a number of fires have now been reported with laser or diathermy use within or adjacent to the airways of patients receiving HFNO.

Keywords: airway fire; airway management; high-flow nasal oxygen; operating theatre fire; patient safety.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations of interest CL declares that he has no conflict of interest. MJF has received travel support, lecture fees, and equipment for academic trials from Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.

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