Safety features in anaesthesia machine

Abstract

Anaesthesia is one of the few sub-specialties of medicine, which has quickly adapted technology to improve patient safety. This application of technology can be seen in patient monitoring, advances in anaesthesia machines, intubating devices, ultrasound for visualisation of nerves and vessels, etc., Anaesthesia machines have come a long way in the last 100 years, the improvements being driven both by patient safety as well as functionality and economy of use. Incorporation of safety features in anaesthesia machines and ensuring that a proper check of the machine is done before use on a patient ensures patient safety. This review will trace all the present safety features in the machine and their evolution.

Keywords: Anaesthesia machine; hypoxia prevention; safety features.

Figure 1

The high, intermediate and low-pressure systems of the anaesthesia machine

Figure 2

The pin index system and its components

Figure 3

Safety valves

Figure 4

Different connectors and their safety mechanisms

Figure 5

Non-interchangeable screw thread

Figure 6

Oxygen failure warning devices

Figure 7

Potential unsafe and safe arrangements of flow meter tubes

Figure 8

Mechanical linkage of oxygen and nitrous flow meters, to prevent hypoxic mixture delivery

Figure 9

Transport setting in a vapourizer

Figure 10

Keyed and colour coded vaporiser filling systems