The sevoflurane saving capacity of a new anaesthetic agent conserving device compared with a low flow circle system.
BACKGROUND
An anaesthetic agent conserving device (ACD) has been added to a Bain system to approach the agent-saving capacity of a low flow circle system.


METHODS
Randomly selected ASA physical status I patients received a standardized anaesthetic with sevoflurane in air/O2 through either a circle system with 1.5 l/min fresh gas flow (n = 8), or through a Bain system with an added ACD with fresh gas flow 4.4-6.4 l/min (n = 8). A target controlled infusion of remifentanil was used for analgesia.


RESULTS
The median sevoflurane consumption was 19.7 and 22.0 ml/MAC/h with the low flow circle system and the Bain system + ACD, respectively (P=0.10, Mann-Whitney U-test), or when adjusted for weight 0.25 and 0.28 ml/MAC/h/kg (P=0.26, Mann-Whitney U-test).


CONCLUSIONS
The expenditure of sevoflurane with a Bain system + ACD was close to that in a circle system with 1.5 l/min fresh gas flow. It is thereby possible to use sevoflurane to all its potential, performing for example rapid alterations in end-tidal concentration using high fresh gas flows by combining a Bain system with an ACD. Although the price is not decided for this not yet commercially available device, a potential for a lower cost exists. Additionally, there will be no concerns of toxic compounds produced in the absorber.
Enlund
M
M
University Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Uppsala, Sweden. mats.enlund@ltvastmanland.se
Lambert
H
H
Wiklund
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D002138:Calibration; D005260:Female; D005374:Filtration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D000077149:Sevoflurane
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane