Jmg. Da Fonseca et al., The effect of a heat and moisture exchanger on gas flow in a Mapleson F breathing system during inhalational induction, ANAESTHESIA, 55(6), 2000, pp. 571-573
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Aneshtesia & Intensive Care","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) humidify, warm and filter inspired gas,
protecting patients and apparatus during anaesthesia. Their incorporation
into paediatric anaesthetic breathing systems is recommended. We experience
d delays in inhalational induction whilst using a Mapleson F breathing syst
em with an HME. We have demonstrated that the HME significantly alters gas
flow within the breathing system. Approximately half of the fresh gas flow
is delivered to the patient, the remainder being wasted into the expiratory
limb of the breathing system. We suggest that the HME should be removed fr
om the Mapleson F breathing system until inhalational induction is complete
, or that the reservoir bag is completely occluded until an effective seal
is obtained with the mask.