A new device to reduce the consumption of a halogenated anaesthetic agent.
We report the first clinical application of a new anaesthetic agent-saving device. The principles of a heat-moisture exchanger have been further developed to create a device that reduces inhalational agent consumption. Sixteen patients were randomly allocated to receive isoflurane through either a vaporiser or through the agent-saving device. A coaxial Mapleson D system (Bain) was used in both groups. A standard ventilatory setting was used, aiming for normocapnia. Mean (SD) isoflurane consumption was 24.5 (2.8) ml x MAC-hour(-1) with the vaporiser, compared with 15.2 (3.0) ml x MAC-hour(-1) with the new device (p < 0.05). This corresponded to a 40% saving in the consumption of isoflurane. The amount of isoflurane that was scavenged to the atmosphere was reduced by an average of 55%.
Enlund
M
M
University Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Samariterhemmets Sjukhus Uppsala, Sweden. mats.enlund@ltvastmanland.se
Wiklund
L
L
Lambert
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000764:Anesthesia, Closed-Circuit / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D015920:Gas Scavengers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D007530:Isoflurane