Humidification and filtration
Inhaling dry gases can cause damage to the cells lining the respiratory tract, impairing ciliary function. Within a short period of just 10 minutes of ventilation with dry gases, cilia…
ANESTHESIA
Ventilators
Ventilators are used to provide controlled ventilation to maintain oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide. Many of them have the facilities to provide multiple ventilatory modes that can lead to…
Breathing systems
Breathing systems must fulfil three objectives: 1. delivery of oxygen 2. removal of carbon dioxide from the patient 3. delivery of inhaled anaesthetic agents. These agents are predominantly eliminated by…
Laryngoscopes and tracheal intubation equipment
Laryngoscopes These devices are used to perform direct laryngoscopy and to aid in tracheal intubation ( Fig. 7.1 ). They can also be used to visualize the larynx or pharynx…
Masks and oxygen delivery devices
Face masks and angle pieces The face mask is designed to fit the face anatomically and comes in different sizes to fit patients of different age groups (from neonates to…
Pollution in theatre and scavenging
Since the late 1960s there has been speculation that trace anaesthetic gases/vapours may have a harmful effect on operating theatre personnel. It has been concluded from currently available studies that…
Medical gas supply
Gas supply Medical gas supply takes the form of either cylinders or a piped gas system, depending on the requirements of the hospital. Cylinders Components 1. Cylinders are made of…
Dermatologic Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Dermatology is a specialty in which visual inspection allows for rapid diagnosis. A brief physical examination prior to a lengthy history is valuable because some of…
Cardiologic Principles I: Electrophysiologic and Electrocardiographic Principles
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC PRINCIPLES Print Section Listen The clinical tool most commonly used to assess cardiac function is the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG records the sum of the electrical changes occurring…
Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen This chapter reviews the normal physiology of neurotransmission, the molecular action and biochemistry of several major neurotransmitters and their receptors, and the toxicologic mechanisms by which…
