Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 1996
ReviewAnaesthetic machine and breathing system contamination and the efficacy of bacterial/viral filters.
Contamination of the anaesthetic machine and breathing system by the environment and by patient exposure has been shown to occur. Outside the intensive care setting, however, it is difficult to demonstrate that the anaesthetic machine and breathing system are a vector for patient cross-infection. ⋯ Several instances of patient morbidity are a direct consequence of filter use. The use of bacterial/viral filters may represent another step towards defensive medical practice.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 1996
Comparative StudyDisposable and autoclavable anaesthetic circuits: the future is now.
The potential transmission of disease by anaesthetic and ventilator breathing circuits has resulted in the widespread use of filters. Convincing scientific evidence of their complete efficacy is lacking particularly in regard to viruses. ⋯ These have been overcome by the development of disposable and autoclavable carbon dioxide absorbers and breathing circuits. Disposable equipment is more expensive than filters but autoclavable circuits and absorbers are of comparable cost or cheaper.
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A fixed-wing aircraft (Beechcraft KingAir B200 C) fitted as an airborne intensive care facility is described. It completed 2000 missions from 1987-1992 for distances up to 1300 km. Features include: 1. ⋯ Provision of 24Ov AC (alternating current) and 28v DC (direct current) electrical energy. 8. Pressurization and climate control. 9. Satisfactory aviation performance for conditions encountered, with single-pilot operation.