Anaesthetic equipment Flashcards
What is the function of anaesthetic circuits?
They have several functions:
- to take fresh gas and deliver it to the patient
- to remove exhaled carbon dioxide
- to supply oxygen
- to supply volatile agent
- to be used during IPPV (for certain circuits)
Define IPPV
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation - a method of delivering breaths to patients who cannot deliver their own
What is the system used for classification of circuits and when was it established?
The Mapleson classification system. It was established in 1954, and focuses on classifying based non rebreathing systems based on their appearance, in particular the position of the reservoir bag and valve
Describe a Mapleson A circuit and give an example
The gas enters the bag before it reaches the patient. It contains an expiratory valve, which lets air out.
Examples are the Lack, Mini Lack and Magill circuits
Describe a Mapleson D circuit and give an example
The gas enters the bag after leaving the patient and the bag is full of expired gas.
Examples:
Bain and Paediatric T-piece
Describe a Mapleson E circuit and give an example
Has no reservoir bag and no valve, only tubing.
Example is the classic Ayres T-piece
Describe a Mapleson F circuit and give an example
These have no valve but an open ended reservoir bag.
Example: Ayres T-piece with Jackson Rees modification
What is the significance of the placement of the reservoir bag?
If the reservoir bag is on the inspiratory limb, where the fresh gas foes in, the circuit will have a low circuit factor, and IPPV is usually not possible
If the reservoir bag is on the expiratory limb, where expired gas comes out, the circuit factor will be higher, but IPPV will be possible
How do rebreathing systems work?
The patient’s exhaled gases are reused after passing over soda lime to remove carbon dioxide after absorption
Flow rate and volatile agent usage are lower
What are the two different types of rebreathing systems?
Closed - the valve is completely shut and the flow rate is taken up by the patient
Low flow systems - the valve is left slightly open - arguably easier to manage as excesses are accounted for by the open valve
Which gas cannot safely be used in rebreathing circuits?
Nitrous oxide - it can only safely be used in these circuits when monitoring arterial oxygen tensions or using high flow rates.
Benefits are often outweighed by the risks
Describe a circle anaesthetic circuit
AKA the hamster wheel circuit. Carbon dioxide is removed from expired gas by being pushed over soda lime canisters, which absorbs it and conserves oxygen, moisture and heat.
It is very efficient, and FGF is based on the requirements of the animal
Used for patients over 10kg, have unidirectional valves which increase resistance
Can be used for IPPV
What are some advantages of circle circuits?
- very efficient
- low cost
- reduce heat loss, meaning it is easier to maintain normothermia
- inspired gases are moistened and the risk of burns from pure, dry oxygen is lower
- very easy to do IPPV
- soda lime cannister is kept far away from patient and is less of an irritant risk
What are some disadvantages of circle circuits?
- the circuits themselves are expensive to buy
- the soda lime cannisters can be difficult to fill, and requires PPE
- the plastic can become weak and leak, presenting a health and safety risk
- only suitable for patients over 10kg
- may be unsuitable for hyperthermic patients
What does soda lime consist of?
80% sodium hydroxide
18% calcium hydroxide
silicates
pH indicators
What PPE should be worn when changing soda lime in a circuit?
It is an irritant alkali so full PPE (gloves, mask, apron, goggles) should be used
When is the best time to check a soda lime cannister?
After a theatre session - granules can return to their original colour even if expire if left for a long time, e.g. overnight
Why is use of a closed circuit not recommended?
Most veterinary anaesthetic machines do not have flow meters that allow accurate delivery of very low fresh gas flow rates.
What is the aim in rebreathing systems?
To provide fresh gas flow comparable to oxygen consumption
What is a general rule for reservoir bag sizing for patients?
Generally up to 10kg can have a 0.5 litre bag; 10-20kg a 1 litre bag; 20-30kg a 2 litre bag, and 30-40kg a 3 litre bag
What can the effects of nitrous oxide be?
It is not absorbed by soda lime or by the patient - it pools in body cavities, and can cause hypoxia as it takes up the space where oxygen should be perfused.
Define HYPOXIA
Reduced amount of oxygen in the tissues of the body
What is denitrogenation?
Also called preoxygenation - it is to counter the effects of nitrous oxide and prevent it pooling in the patient’s body. Fresh oxygen is given for a period of time before and after surgery, at high flow rates
Describe the Humphrey ADE system
Introduced to the UK in 2000 and was previously popular in medical practice. It has several different modes to allow the benefit of the characteristics of several different circuit types.
It is a Mapleson A circuit when the level is up, and the reservoir bag and reservoir valve are used
It is a Mapleson D circuit when the lever is down, and the reservoir bag and valve are bypassed
It is a Mapleson E system if no ventilator is attached to the ventilator port
What are some of the benefits of recycling gases with the ADE system?
It is much more efficient and cost effective, especially for larger animals, and fresh gas flow requirements do not need to be calculated
What is the circuit factor?
It indicates how many times the minute volume must be multiplied to meet gas requirements
What is the circuit factor of the most common nonrebreathing circuits?
In a Bain and Ayres T-Piece (all versions), the circuit factor is 2.5-3.0
In a Lack and Mini Lack, the circuit factor is 1.0-1.5
Describe the Ayres T-piece
Comes in several different versions. Whether modified or not, it is used for patients that are under 10kg. The classic T-Piece has no bag and no valve - it is a Mapleson E
Gas enters the breathing system close to the patient (at the T) and fills all the tubing from which the patient inhales. When the patient exhales, gases move directly down the expiratory limb where they leave the system into a scavenging system
Describe the Ayres paediatric T-piece
It is a Mapleson D circuit. It has an APL valve and a closed reservoir bag. It can be used for IPPV
Describe the Ayres T-piece with Jackson Rees modification
It has an open bag, to which the waste bag is directly attached. It has no APL valve and is a Mapleson F circuit
At what ratio can nitrous oxide be used in an Ayres t-piece?
At a ratio of 1:2, Oxygen:nitrous