Anesthesia Circuits

Abstract

Mapleson systems are known as carbon dioxide washout or flow-controlled breathing systems. The Mapleson A system is best for spontaneous respiration with the advantage of less waste of fresh gas flows and should not be used for controlled ventilation. The Mapleson D uses more fresh gas flows (set higher in order to avoid rebreathing of alveolar gases), is less efficient (more costly), and causes more operating room/atmospheric pollution. The Mapleson E system is most difficult for scavenging gases. The Mapleson F, also known as the Jackson Rees modification, helps monitor and assists ventilation with major advantages that it can be used in neonates, is inexpensive, lacks barotrauma, and has low resistance without any valves. Lastly, advantages of the circle breathing system include carbon dioxide absorption, less fresh gas flows, less turbulence, reduced resistance, improved economy, less operating room and atmospheric pollution, and conservation of heat and moisture.