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Tidal Volume
| A ventimeter or spirometer placed in the anesthetic breathing system (commonly on the expiratory limb) measures tidal volume and permits calculation of minute ventilation (frequency of breathing times tidal volume). All leaks in the anesthetic breathing system must be eliminated for accurate measurement of tidal volume. |
| Airway pressure created by mechanical ventilation of the lungs is measured by a gauge on the anesthesia machine. When the maximum inspiratory pressure does not reach predetermined levels, a low pressure disconnect alarms sounds that warns the anesthesiologist that a leak or disconnect is present. Excessive airway pressures measured on this gauge reflect low pulmonary compliance or obstruction in the anesthetic breathing system. The gas reservoir bag is designed to expand into a sphere when pressures exceed about 50 crnH2O; preventing transmission of higher pressures to the patient. When a mechanical ventilator is used, the gas reservoir bag is excluded from the anesthetic breathing system, making it possible to deliver pressures higher than 50 cmH2O to the airways. |
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