Breathing circuit

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Breathing Circuit

A breathing circuit is a medical device used to deliver oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and deliver inhalational anaesthetic agents to a patient. It is commonly used in anesthesia and intensive care medicine.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of a breathing circuit was first introduced in the late 19th century by Arthur Guedel and Ralph Waters. They developed the Guedel-Waters circuit, which was the first closed system for delivering anesthesia.

Types of Breathing Circuits[edit | edit source]

There are three main types of breathing circuits: open, semi-open, and closed.

Open Breathing Circuits[edit | edit source]

In an open breathing circuit, fresh gas flows directly from the source to the patient. There is no rebreathing of exhaled gases. Examples include the Bain circuit and the Jackson-Rees circuit.

Semi-Open Breathing Circuits[edit | edit source]

In a semi-open breathing circuit, some of the exhaled gases are rebreathed by the patient. This is achieved by using a reservoir bag. Examples include the Mapleson circuit and the Magill circuit.

Closed Breathing Circuits[edit | edit source]

In a closed breathing circuit, all of the exhaled gases are rebreathed by the patient. This is achieved by using a carbon dioxide absorber. Examples include the Circle system and the Waters' to-and-fro system.

Components of a Breathing Circuit[edit | edit source]

A typical breathing circuit consists of several components, including a fresh gas flow source, a patient interface, a reservoir bag, a carbon dioxide absorber, and various valves and tubes.

Fresh Gas Flow Source[edit | edit source]

The fresh gas flow source provides a continuous supply of oxygen and inhalational anaesthetic agents. It is typically connected to a central gas supply or a portable cylinder.

Patient Interface[edit | edit source]

The patient interface is the part of the circuit that connects to the patient. It can be a face mask, a laryngeal mask, or an endotracheal tube.

Reservoir Bag[edit | edit source]

The reservoir bag stores fresh gas and allows the patient to rebreathe some of the exhaled gases.

Carbon Dioxide Absorber[edit | edit source]

The carbon dioxide absorber removes carbon dioxide from the exhaled gases before they are rebreathed by the patient.

Valves and Tubes[edit | edit source]

Various valves and tubes are used to control the flow of gases and to prevent the rebreathing of carbon dioxide.

See Also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD