The anesthetic breathing circuit, which is a medical device that can be fabricated using a CNC milling machine, is designed to ensure that a patient will breathe in a satisfactory way, so as to not to make breathing more difficult or to create physiological dead space.
Anesthetic gas exits the anesthesia machine using the common gas outlet and then enters a breathing circuit. The function of the circuit is to deliver anesthetic gasses and oxygen to the patient and remover carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide may be eliminated by gas inflow or by the use of soda lime to absorb the gas.
Properties of Breathing Circuits
A good breathing circuit is safe and simple to use, delivers the intended mixture of gas to the patients and is efficient, requiring a low flow rate of fresh gas. It enables spontaneous, manual and controlled ventilation in all size groups and permits easy removal of exhaled waste gas.
Barotrauma, which is physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside, or in contact with the body, and the surrounding fluid, is prevented by a good breathing circuit.
A good breathing circuit is sturdy, compact and lightweight in design so that breathing circuit cleaning is carried out easily with minimal operational costs.
Breathing Circuit Cleaning Operations
Breathing circuit cleaning should be done so as to ensure that no residue is left on any parts of the cleaning circuit. It needs to be washed with cool water with an enzymatic cleaner and detergent. Temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided so the material of a protein-like nature does not coagulate which can lead to the formation of a protective layer for micro-organisms during disinfection or sterilization.
An item that is not properly cleaned which may result in leaving residue behind can prevent the breathing circuit from functioning or can cause a reaction in a patient with subsequent use.
Breathing circuits and other such devices should be cleaned in a special area away from the anesthesia room and by manual or automated methods. The use of low-temperature steam, a disinfecting agent during washing, or ultrasonic baths can protect staff from exposure to both microorganisms and chemicals.
