anesthesia machine components

compound gases

• Includes oxygen and nitrous oxide.

• Color-coded and stored under high pressure.

• Connected to the anesthesia machine by a yoke or high-pressure hose.

• Used as a carrier gas for inhaled anesthetics.

pressure regulator

• Reduces high-pressure gas to a safer, lower pressure.

• Allows the anesthesia machine to work safely.

• Shows the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder.

flowmeter

• Controls the flow rate of carrier gas (mL/min or L/min).

• Is specific to each gas.

anesthetic vaporizers

• Convert liquid anesthetic into a gas.

• Deliver a precise concentration of inhaled anesthetic (ex: isoflurane, sevoflurane).

• Can be placed outside (VOC) or inside (VIC) the breathing circuit.

oxygen flush valvesc

• Delivers fresh oxygen to the common gas outlet, bypassing the vaporizer.

• ●  Used for pressure-testing the system and flushing the system of anesthetic.

carbon dioxide absorbent canister

• Chemically removes carbon dioxide from exhaled air.

• Replace every 6–8 hours of use.

• Changes to blue/violet when exhausted (color may return after resting).

pressure relief pop off valves

• ●  Allows the escape of excess pressure in the system.

• ●  Valves can be closed to manually breathe for the patient or to pressure test the system.

Scavenging systems

• Collects and removes waste anesthetic gases.

• Passive systems: Use activated charcoal to absorb gases.

• Active systems: Use a vacuum to remove gases outside.

reservoir bag

• Holds oxygen and anesthetic gas before delivery to the patient.

• Allows manual ventilation.

• Prevents pressure buildup if the pop-off valve is closed.

• Comes in sizes based on the patient’s tidal volume.

rebreathing tubes

• Connect the anesthesia machine to the patient.

• Pediatric circuits: Used for patients <5 kg.

• Adult circuits: Used for patients >5 kg.

• Universal-F circuit: Inspiratory tube runs inside the expiratory tube to help warm and humidify air.

pressure manometer

• Indicates the amount of positive pressure in the anesthetic system.

• ●  Unit of measurement is cm of H2O.