Breathing circuit
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