PEDIATRIC OPEN-CIRCUIT VENTILATION SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH MAGNETIC-RESONANCE TOMOGRAPHY

Background The widespread tunnel-shaped construction of magnetic reson ance tomography (MRT) machines requires a remote device free of metal for ventilation of the comatose patient not breathing spontaneously. P atient and method In order to ventilate a 3 year old boy, we modified an open-circuit bag ventilation system according to requirements. Fres h gas was insufflated into the patient's tube connector using a 6 m sm all sized silicon rubber hose, thus providing the required distance fr om the metallic gas supply. A second branch of the tube connector was connected to 1 m of wide tubing ending in the bag (Kuhn-system). Resul ts The system proved its competence during a 1 hour session, and did n ot result in MRT artefacts. Conclusions Due to the system design, the extension of the tubing does not result in significant dead space vent ilation provided then is adequate fresh gas now. The proposed system i s simple in construction, easy to handle, and ideal for use on comatos e children urgently requiring MRT. Thus, any delay due to preparations for anaesthesia and mechanic ventilation can be avoided.