Parts of the Anesthesia Machine

A surgical anesthesia machine can be made up of many different parts. For example, there are one-way valves, Ventilators and Scavenging systems. These can be very important and can make or break the surgery. Therefore, it is important to learn about the different parts of anesthesia machines.

Ventilators

Modern anaesthesia machines have developed newer and more advanced modes of ventilation. These include pressure-support ventilation and assisted ventilation modes. There are also newer, sophisticated tools to apply these ventilatory modes.

Pressure-support ventilation (PSV) is an assisted mode of ventilation that provides breaths automatically to a patient if his or her rate falls below a preset value. This additional safety measure is particularly useful when using a laryngeal mask airway.

The ASA and APSF document “Using Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators” gives guidance on how to prepare anesthesia machines for ICU use. It includes an inventory of local resources, a suggested schedule for monitoring anesthesia machine effectiveness, and a quick reference guide.

For anesthesia machines with bellows, the driving gas is typically pressurized oxygen. During inspiration, a pressure inside the bellows compresses the gas, which then pushes upward on the descending bellows. Then, the gas is vented to the atmosphere.

Fresh gas decoupling is a common technique in descending bellows ventilators, and it decreases the likelihood of volutrauma. In modern anaesthesia workstations, double circuit ventilators are commonly used.

Scavenging system

The scavenging system is an important piece of medical equipment that helps prevent waste anesthetic gas from polluting the environment. When not used properly, this system can pose a serious hazard to patients, as well as the people who care for them.

It is a device that collects excess anaesthetic gas from the breathing circuit and then exhausts it to a non-recirculating fume hood. Exhausted gases may contain halogenated vapours and N2O.

There are two basic types of scavenging systems: active and passive. Active scavenging works by using suction to create an attenuated vacuum that pulls gases away from the patient. Some scavenging systems include a backup relief valve, which opens to allow room air into the scavenging system.

Passive scavenging is a type of scavenging system that does not require a vacuum. This type of scavenging system relies on pressure to move the gas out of the machine.

Both types of scavenging systems are designed to remove excess anaesthetic gases from the anaesthesia circuit. They are both used in the operating room to reduce the risk of barotrauma.

Anesthetic reflector devices

The anesthesia machine is a valuable medical device that helps to keep patients safe during surgeries around the world. However, these devices are also subject to some safety concerns. Aside from delivering anesthetic gases, they may also aerosolize droplets containing the COVID-19 virus.

As such, they should be checked before every operation. In addition to maintaining their battery backup and regularly cleaning their ventilation circuits, it is important to keep them up to date with the latest anesthesia machine technology.

Various anesthesia machines incorporate various ventilation modes, including assisted and intermittent flow. While these options have advantages over traditional intermittent flow machines, they can be impractical for longer-term use.

One of the major challenges of delivering warmed fluid at low flow rates is the substantial heat loss between the patient and the warmer. Additionally, the limited time for heat exchange between the warmer and the patient makes it difficult to deliver warm fluid at faster flow rates.

One-way valves

One-way valves are used to prevent the flow of gas in any direction. This ensures that the anesthetic concentration is not compromised. However, they are also susceptible to malfunction. If the seal on the valve is damaged, it can lead to a major leak.

Anesthesia machines include an assortment of components to deliver controlled amounts of oxygen to the breathing system. These components are made of tubing and can be found in a variety of sizes. Most of these tubings are 19 or 30 mm in diameter.

There are several types of one-way valves. Depending on the type of machine, the valves can be either vertically oriented or horizontally oriented. Vertically oriented ones are warped by gravity.

Horizontal oriented ones are also susceptible to warping. The dome can also become curled or impinged on the valve body. Hence, the seal should be checked periodically.

Another important component of anesthesia machines is the canister. It contains activated charcoal that absorbs anesthetic gas. After about 50 grams, the canister should be replaced.