• R Smith and B Geffin.
• Department of Anesthesiology, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boston, MA 02135.
• J Clin Anesth. 1992 Jul 1; 4 (4): 304-9.

Study ObjectiveTo examine the physical characteristics of 3-liter anesthesia rebreathing bags and assess their use for oxygen (O2) storage and delivery during transport of patients from the operating room (OR) to the recovery area.SettingAnesthesia laboratory and pulmonary function laboratory.InterventionsFive anesthesia rebreathing bags were inflated in 2-liter increments with 50 liters of air and then deflated in 2-liter increments. A sixth bag was inflated twice in 1-liter increments. Five bags were inflated with 60 liters of gas and allowed to deflate through a cannula functioning as a flow restrictor. Five bags were inflated with 100 liters of gas and checked for damage.Measurements And Main ResultsPressure measurements done at 2-liter increments during inflation of the bags to 50 liters and deflation showed a consistent pattern of pressure-volume relationships. Assessment of gas flow during deflation through the cannula showed flow rates ranging from 3.1 to 3.8 L/min after 5 minutes of continuous flow and from 2.8 to 3.8 L/min after 10 minutes. No weakness or damage was apparent in bags inflated with 100 liters of gas.ConclusionsIt is feasible for anesthesia rebreathing bags distended with O2 to serve as lightweight, inexpensive, and easily monitored alternatives to O2 tanks for O2 delivery during transport of patients from the OR to the recovery area.

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