Novel strategy to decrease the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO ₂) of an anesthetic circuit using a commercially available fish tank air pump: An in vitro study.

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine whether use of a commercially available fish tank air pump (FTAP) could predictably lower the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO_(2)) within an anesthetic circuit below the level of risk for O_(2)toxicity (FiO_(2)< 0.6). Three different anesthesia machines and an anesthesia ventilator were each outfitted with an FTAP. The FiO_(2)was measured at 4 different tidal volumes and 3 O_(2)flow rates at a set respiratory rate of 15 breaths per minute, and mean FiO_(2)was calculated. For each O_(2)flow rate and tidal volume combination, the FiO_(2)was reduced (FiO_(2)< 1). The FiO_(2)was more reliably decreased at lower O_(2)flow rates. A significant limitation of the study was the makeshift construction, leading to measurable leaks within the circuit. This technique could represent an economical and practical approach to providing ventilatory support in a resource limited setting.