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…
Risk Most common enzyme deficiency in the world. Due to X-linked recessive inheritance. Worldwide incidence: 400 million. Regions with highest prevalence include Africa, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. In USA, G6PD deficiency is prevalent among black males…
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…
Risk Majority of cases of GPN are idiopathic. Increased prevalence with extracranial neoplasms, trauma/infection/inflammation to tonsils, and pharynx, arachnoiditis. More common in pts older than 50 y and middle-aged females. Perioperative Risks Vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia occurs in 10% of pts with…