Anaesthesia units are highly complex devices requiring specific infrastructure provision to be able to operate. They need a scavenging system, pipped medical air supply, and oxygen and nitrous oxide sources which can be piped or from cylinders. In addition, these machines require trained operators and technicians to carry out preventative maintenance so the units can operate safely.
The patient is anesthetized by inspiring a mixture of O?, the vapor of a volatile liquid halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthetic, and, if necessary, N?O and other gases. Because normal breathing is routinely depressed by anaesthetic agents and by muscle relaxants administered in conjunction with them, respiratory assistance is also provided via either an automatic ventilator or by manual compression of the reservoir bag.
Anaesthesia units dispense a mixture of gases and vapours and vary the proportions to control a patient's level of consciousness and/or analgesia during surgical procedures. Anaesthesia units primarily perform the following four functions:
- Blend gas mixtures, in addition to O?, that include air or nitrous oxide (N?O) along with an anaesthetic vapor.
- Facilitate spontaneous, controlled, or assisted ventilation while using these gas mixtures.
- Provide oxygen (O?) to the patient
- Reduce, if not eliminate, anaesthesia-related risks to the patient and clinical staff.
