In vitro performance evaluation of AnaConDaTM-100 and AnaConDaTM-50 compared to a circle breathing system for control and consumption of volatile anaesthetics

To identify the better volatile anaesthetic delivery system in an intensive care setting, we compared the circle breathing system and two models of reflection systems (AnaConDa™ with a dead space of 100 ml (ACD-100) or 50 ml (ACD-50)). These systems were analysed for the parameters like wash-in, consumption, and wash-out of isoflurane and sevoflurane utilising a test lung model. The test lung was connected to a respirator (circle breathing system: Aisys CS™; ACD-100/50: Puriton Bennett 840). Set parameters were volume-controlled mode, tidal volume-500 ml, respiratory rate-10/min, inspiration time-2 sec, PEEP-5 mbar, and oxygen-21%. Wash-in, consumption, and wash-out were investigated at fresh gas flows of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 l/min. Anaesthetic target concentrations were 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%. Wash-in was slower in ACD-100/-50 compared to the circle breathing system, except for fresh gas flows of 0.5 and 1.0 l/min. The consumption of isoflurane and sevoflurane in ACD-100 and ACD-50 corresponded to the fresh gas flow of 0.5-1.0 l/min in the circle breathing system. Consumption with ACD-50 was higher in comparison to ACD-100, especially at gas concentrations > 1.5%. Wash-out was quicker in ACD-100/-50 than in the circle breathing system at a fresh gas flow of 0.5 l/min, however, it was longer at all the other flow rates. Wash-out was comparable in ACD-100 and ACD-50. Wash-in and wash-out were generally quicker with the circle breathing system than in ACD-100/-50. However, consumption at 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration was comparable at flows of 0.5 and 1.0 l/min.

Carbon dioxide narcosis due to human error in a dog

Incorrect assembly of a parallel Lack (Mapleson A) breathing system resulted in carbon dioxide narcosis in a dog due to rebreathing of expiratory gases. A seven-year-old, male neutered Rottweiler, weighing 49 kg, failed to recover after discontinuation of inhalational anaesthesia following a forequarter amputation for osteosarcoma. During recovery, the endotracheal tube had been connected to a parallel Lack anaesthetic breathing system delivering 100 per cent oxygen at 5 l/minute. Although a prolonged recovery, 30 minutes, all vital parameters were considered within normal limits until a severe increase in respiratory effort was noted. Capnography revealed rebreathing with an end-tidal carbon dioxide tension of >150 mm Hg (>19.9 kPa). The dog was transferred to a circle breathing system, and with normalisation of the capnogram, recovery proceeded without further complications. Visual inspection of the parallel Lack breathing system revealed misassembly which had resulted in rebreathing of expiratory gases, extreme hypercapnia causing prolonged recovery due to narcosis.