Inhaling dry gases can cause damage to the cells lining the respiratory tract, impairing ciliary function. Within a short period of just 10 minutes of ventilation with dry gases, cilia function will be disrupted. This increases the patienťs susceptibility to…
Ventilators are used to provide controlled ventilation to maintain oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide. Many of them have the facilities to provide multiple ventilatory modes that can lead to some confusion. They can be used in the operating theatre,…
Laryngoscopes These devices are used to perform direct laryngoscopy and to aid in tracheal intubation ( Fig. 7.1 ). They can also be used to visualize the larynx or pharynx for suctioning, removal of foreign body, placing of nasogastric tube…
Face masks and angle pieces The face mask is designed to fit the face anatomically and comes in different sizes to fit patients of different age groups (from neonates to adults). It is connected to the breathing system via the…
Tracheal tubes Tracheal tubes provide a means of securing the patienťs airway, allowing spontaneous and controlled ventilation. These disposable plastic tubes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which could be clear, ivory or siliconized. As plastic is not radio-opaque, tracheal…
Breathing systems must fulfil three objectives: 1. delivery of oxygen, 2. removal of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the patient and 3. delivery of inhaled anaesthetic agents. These agents are predominantly eliminated by the lungs also, so the breathing…
Since the late 1960s there has been speculation that trace anaesthetic gases/vapours may have a harmful effect on operating theatre personnel. It has been concluded from currently available studies that there is no association between occupational exposure to trace levels…
The anaesthetic machine receives medical gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, air) under pressure and provides a continuous and accurate flow of each gas individually. A gas mixture of the desired composition at a defined flow rate is created before a known…
Gas supply Medical gas supply takes the form of cylinders and/or a piped gas system, depending on the requirements of the hospital. Cylinders Components 1. Cylinders are made of thin-walled, seamless molybdenum steel in which gases and vapours are stored…