Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
-
This is a report of our experience with a portable anaesthesia system that was developed for use under field conditions, when compressed gas supplies are limited. We first assembled and bench-tested a low-pressure plenum system, based upon the Farman entrainer. The entrainer required a low flow of compressed gas, O2 at 1-2 L.min-1, and generated a low-pressure mixture of O2 and air which was directed through an Oxford miniature vaporizer, a non-return valve, and a widebore T-piece circuit. ⋯ The system was very economical, using 1-2 L.min-1 O2 and 20-25 ml.hr-1 liquid halothane to produce a FGF of 6-10 L.min-1, an FIO2 of 0.33, and FIhal of 1-1.5 per cent. We have demonstrated that this is a versatile, safe, and economical system, compatible with the practice of modern inhalational anaesthesia under field conditions. It can be readily assembled from commercially available components.