Anaesthetic machine
The primary function of the anaesthetic machine is to provide adequate amounts of oxygen and anaesthetic agent under controlled conditions, and to prevent the patient from inhaling their own exhaled air. It has three parts:
- Gas delivery system – delivers a mixture of inhaled anaesthetics, oxygen, and air
- CO2 – absorber containing soda lime
- Reservoir bag – provides a gas reservoir and allows us to evaluate the patient’s spontaneous ventilation
- Vaporizer – adds the anaesthetic
- Ventilator
- Monitor
The machine contains one-way valves which prevent the patient from inhaling their own exhaled air.