Anesthesia Machine
Mr. Harshad Khade
Assistant Professor
• An anesthesia machine, also known as an anesthetic
machine or anesthesia workstation, is a medical device used
to administer general anesthesia to patients during surgical
procedures.
• It is a complex system that delivers a precise mixture of gases
and volatile anesthetic agents to the patient, allowing them
to remain unconscious and pain-free throughout the
procedure.
• The main components of an anesthesia machine typically
include:
Gas supply:
• The machine is connected to a supply of medical gases, such
as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air.
• These gases are stored in cylinders or piped from a central
supply system.
Flow meters:
• Flow meters are used to control the flow rates of the gases
being delivered to the patient.
• They typically consist of a series of tubes with floating balls
or digital displays that indicate the flow rates.
Vaporizers:
• These devices are responsible for vaporizing liquid volatile
anesthetic agents, such as isoflurane or sevoflurane, into a
precise concentration for inhalation.
• Vaporizers are integrated into the anesthesia machine and
are controlled by the anesthesia provider.
Breathing system:
• The breathing system includes the patient circuit, which
consists of tubes, connectors, and a breathing bag.
• It delivers the gases to the patient's airway and allows the
patient to exhale gases.
• The system may incorporate additional components such as
filters, valves, and carbon dioxide absorbers.
Ventilator:
• An anesthesia machine may also have a ventilator or
mechanical ventilator capability.
• This allows for controlled mechanical ventilation, where the
machine can assist or completely control the patient's
breathing during anesthesia.
Monitoring equipment:
• Anesthesia machines often have integrated monitors to
measure and display vital signs such as
• oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry),
• blood pressure,
• heart rate,
• end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2).
• These monitors provide real-time information on the
patient's physiological status.
Safety features:
• Anesthesia machines have several safety features, including
pressure relief valves, alarms, and fail-safe mechanisms to
ensure patient safety.
• They are designed to prevent excessive pressure or the
delivery of incorrect gas concentrations.
Hanger & Yoke System
In the context of anesthesia machines, the terms "hanger"
and "yoke" refer to components related to the gas supply
system.
Hanger:
• The hanger is a part of the anesthesia machine that supports
the gas cylinders.
• It is typically a metal or sturdy plastic structure that holds the
cylinders securely in place.
• The hanger may be integrated into the machine or attached
separately, depending on the design.
• The purpose of the hanger is to provide a stable and safe
mounting point for the gas cylinders.
Yoke system:
• The yoke system, also known as the cylinder yoke or cylinder
regulator, is responsible for connecting the gas cylinders to
the anesthesia machine.
• It consists of a yoke block and a yoke nut.
• The yoke block has holes that correspond to the cylinder
sizes, allowing the cylinders to be attached securely.
• The yoke nut is used to fasten the cylinders tightly to the
yoke block.
Cylinder pressure gauge
Cylinder pressure gauge
• The cylinder pressure gauge typically consists of a dial or
gauge face with a needle that indicates the pressure level in
the cylinder.
• The gauge may have markings in units such as pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa), depending on the
region and standard used.
• The pressure is usually displayed in a range that corresponds
to the specific gas being used, as different gases have
different pressure specifications.
Pressure Regulator
• The pressure regulator in an anesthesia machine is a critical
component that ensures the safe and controlled delivery of
medical gases to the patient.
• It regulates the high-pressure gas from the cylinder to a
lower, consistent pressure suitable for use in the anesthesia
system.
Flow meter assembly
The flow meter assembly in an anesthesia machine is a component
responsible for controlling and indicating the flow rates of gases being
delivered to the patient during anesthesia administration.
It consists of several key elements:
Flow Tubes:
• The flow meter assembly includes one or more flow tubes,
which are transparent tubes with calibrated markings.
• These tubes allow the anesthesia provider to visually
observe and control the flow rates of gases.
Float:
• Inside each flow tube, there is a float, usually a small ball or
bobbin made of lightweight material.
• The position of the float within the tube indicates the flow
rate.
• As gas flows through the tube, it moves the float, and its
position relative to the markings on the tube corresponds to
the flow rate.
Control Knob:
• The flow meter assembly has a control knob or dial that
allows the anesthesia provider to adjust the flow rate.
• By turning the knob, the provider can increase or decrease
the flow of gases.
Gas-Specific Calibration:
• Flow meters are calibrated for specific gases, such as oxygen,
nitrous oxide, and air.
• The flow tubes are designed and labeled accordingly,
indicating the appropriate gas to be used.
• This ensures accurate flow rate measurements for each gas
being administered.
O2 Flush Valve:
• An additional component found in some flow meter
assemblies is the O2 flush valve.
• This valve allows for the rapid delivery of a high flow of
oxygen to the patient's airway, bypassing the flow meter.
• It is used in emergency situations or during specific
procedures that require a sudden increase in oxygen
concentration.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers
• Vaporizers are essential components of anesthesia machines
that convert liquid volatile anesthetic agents into vapor for
inhalation by the patient.
• They play a critical role in delivering precise concentrations
of anesthetic gases during surgery.
• Here's a breakdown of the types of vaporizers, associated
hazards, maintenance, and procedures for filling and
draining them:
Types of Vaporizers:
Variable-bypass Vaporizers:
• These vaporizers, such as the Halothane or Enflurane
vaporizers, have a bypass circuit that diverts a portion of the
fresh gas flow, allowing it to pass over a heated liquid
anesthetic.
• The heat causes vaporization, and the vapor is then mixed
with the fresh gas flow before reaching the patient.
Tec 6-type Vaporizers:
• These vaporizers, like the Sevoflurane or Desflurane
vaporizers, use a heated electronic control mechanism to
regulate the flow of liquid anesthetic, enabling precise and
temperature-compensated vaporization.
Hazards Associated with Vaporizers:
Overfilling:
• Overfilling the vaporizer with liquid anesthetic can result in
excessive vapor production, leading to higher concentrations
being delivered to the patient, potentially causing overdose
or toxicity.
Underfilling:
• Underfilling the vaporizer can result in insufficient vapor
concentration, leading to inadequate anesthesia and
compromising patient care.
Leakage:
• Vaporizers must be tightly sealed to prevent leaks that could
lead to environmental contamination or compromise the
concentration of anesthetic gas being delivered to the
patient.
Filling and Draining Vaporizers:
Filling:
• Vaporizers should only be filled with the appropriate liquid
anesthetic agent specified by the manufacturer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling, including
any specific volume or level markings.
Draining:
• When changing or removing liquid anesthetic agents,
vaporizers should be thoroughly drained according to
manufacturer guidelines.
• This typically involves activating a drain valve or emptying
the remaining liquid through a designated outlet.
Thank You