Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Aug 1994
Letter Case ReportsPulmonary oedema associated with endotracheal tube occlusion.
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There are compelling reasons why the closed carbon dioxide filtration method for inhalation anaesthesia deserves serious reconsideration. Use of the closed absorption system today can provide all the benefits recognised by those who introduced it seventy to eighty years ago. A most important benefit is the increased opportunity of learning afforded the user, which leads either neophyte or senior clinician to improvement of both concept and clinical skills. The current resurgence of interest is fully appropriate for all physicians who aspire to be true specialists in the care of patients during clinical anaesthesia.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Aug 1994
Humidity of anaesthetic gases with respect to low flow anaesthesia.
It has been demonstrated in an experimental study in swine using the scanning electron microscope that a rebreathing technique utilising minimal fresh gas flowrates significantly improves climatization of anaesthetic gases. Consequently, effects of various anaesthetic techniques on airway climate must be assessed, which covers the need for suitable measuring devices. Basic principles and methods of humidity measurement in flowing anaesthetic gases include gravimetric hygrometry, dew point hygrometry, wet-dry bulb psychrometry, mass spectrometry, spectroscopic hygrometry and electrical hygrometry. ⋯ Humidity and temperature of inspired air obtained with fresh gas flowrates of 6.0 and 3.0 l/min were found to be inadequate for prolonged anaesthesia. Reducing the fresh gas flow to 1.5 l/min increases heat and moisture content in the respired gases, but conditions are still inadequate for prolonged anaesthesia. Sufficient moisture (> or 20 mg H2O/l) and temperature are obtained under minimal flow conditions after one hour.