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…
Invasive monitoring
Invasive arterial pressure monitoring Invasive arterial pressure monitoring provides beat-to-beat real-time information with sustained accuracy. Components 1. An indwelling Teflon arterial cannula (20G or 22G) is used ( Fig. 11.1…
Non-invasive monitoring
Clinical observation provides vital information regarding the patient. Observations gained from the use of the various monitors should augment that information; skin perfusion, capillary refill, cyanosis, pallor, skin temperature and…
Additional equipment used in anaesthesia and intensive care
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) CPAP is a spontaneous breathing mode used in the intensive care unit, during anaesthesia and for patients requiring respiratory support at home. It increases the…
Pumps, pain management and regional anaesthesia
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) PCA represents one of the most significant advances in the treatment of postoperative pain. Improved technology enables pumps to accurately deliver boluses of opioid when a demand…
Electrical safety
The electrical equipment used in the operating theatre and intensive care unit is designed to improve patient care and safety. At the same time, however, there is the potential of…
