• P P Kleemann, B K Schickel, and J P Jantzen.
• Department of Anaesthesiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical School, Mainz, Germany.
• J Clin Anesth. 1993 Nov 1;5(6):463-7.

Study ObjectiveTo verify whether the airway climate in circle systems can be improved with heated breathing tubes.DesignRandomized, controlled, prospective clinical study.SettingOperating theater of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery.Patients26 adult patients undergoing prolonged anesthesia.InterventionsA total of 26 prolonged anesthetics were conducted in adult patients using a minimal fresh gas flow rate (0.6 L/min) and silicon breathing tubes (16 mm internal diameter) containing a heated coil. Group 1 (n = 10 patients) was the control group; breathing tubes were unheated. In Group 2 (n = 10 patients), breathing tubes were heated to 30 degrees C. In Group 3 (n = 6 patients), breathing tubes were heated to 36 degrees C.Measurements And Main ResultsHumidity and temperature were measured at the Y-piece. Inspiratory temperature on Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1. In Group 3, both inspiratory temperature and absolute humidity were significantly higher than in Group 1. After 5 minutes of ventilation, water content and temperature of inspiratory gases were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 1.ConclusionLow-flow systems need at least 120 minutes to achieve a satisfactory airway climate. Heated breathing tubes effectively reduce this delay.

23 keywords...

hide…