Vinethene, since its introduction to clinical anesthesia in 1931, has been the subject of numerous reports. A review of these articles failed to reveal any reference to the possibility of this agent producing a skin burn.
Herein is a brief description of a clinical case of a burn on the face which occurred following the administration of vinethene anesthesia.
REPORT OF CASE
A white boy, aged 13, from the psychopathic service, was brought to the dental clinic for extraction. The history and physical examination were irrelevant. The skin of the face was apparently normal. The patient was anesthetized in a dental chair. Vinethene was administered by an open drop technic. This method consisted in cupping a regulation 4 by 4 inch hospital gauze square (40/44 mesh, six thicknesses) over the nose and mouth to form an evaporating surface. Vinethene was then dropped on the gauze from freshly opened original 25