Questions and answers

What is rebreathing system?

What is rebreathing system?

Rebreathing (Circle) System Used only with low flow techniques in which oxygen delivery is calculated to meet metabolic needs.

How does a rebreathing circuit work?

Rebreathing circuits direct the expired gases through a soda lime canister for absorption of carbon dioxide, and then is rebreathed by the patient. Non-Rebreathing circuits are designed to deliver oxygen and anesthetic gases with less resistance to breathing in small patients under 10 lbs (7 kg).

What is the purpose of a rebreathing system on an anesthesia machine?

They are termed rebreathing systems because part or all of the exhaled gases, after extraction of carbon dioxide, flow back to the patient. In contrast to nonrebreathing systems, rebreathing systems conserve anesthetic, oxygen, heat, and moisture, but impart more resistance to ventilation.

What happens during rebreathing?

During rebreathing, there is an equilibration of PCO2 in the rebreathing bag, exhaled gas, tissues (including the lung), and arterial and venous blood. This allows the metabolic accumulation of CO2 to gradually in- crease the PCO2 of the entire system.

What is a passive scavenging system?

When a vacuum or negative pressure is not used, the system is described as passive. The scavenging interface serves to prevent potentially dangerous increases or decreases of pressure in the anesthetic waste gas disposal system from reaching the patient’s breathing circuit.

What is a Bain circuit?

– A Bain circuit is an anesthesia delivery system that connects a patient’s airway to the anesthesia machine. It creates an artificial atmosphere through which a patient breathes in and out.

Is carbon dioxide harmful to humans?

Exposure to CO2 can produce a variety of health effects. These may include headaches, dizziness, restlessness, a tingling or pins or needles feeling, difficulty breathing, sweating, tiredness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia, and convulsions.

How does rebreathing affect CO2?