Anaesthesia
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A new, simple, versatile co-axial breathing system combining the features of Mapleson A, D and E type systems is described. The change from an A system to a D/E system is effected by a single switch and without reversal of the gas flow. Fresh gas flows in the order of 70 ml/kg/min are required for both spontaneous ventilation in the Mapleson A mode and controlled ventilation in the Mapleson D mode. The co-axial configuration offers the advantages of a single, lightweight breathing system with easy scavenging of anaesthetic gases, while the ability to switch between the A and D or E configurations offers the economic advantages of low fresh gas flows and the need for a single anaesthetic breathing system for all situations.
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Comparative Study
The neuromuscular transmission monitor. A clinical assessment and comparison with a force transducer.
The neuromuscular transmission monitor (NTM) is a new device for measuring neuromuscular transmission during anaesthesia. We have assessed its use in comparison with a force transducer and found for single twitch and train-of-four modes that there was a strong positive correlation between the two methods. This device appears reliable in use and provides a satisfactory alternative to conventional neuromuscular monitoring.