Continuous flow using an entrainer and t-piece vs drawover apparatus for inhalational induction of anesthesia in children.

Background: Inhalational induction in children is easiest to perform with the Ayres t-piece & bag (Mapleson F). Drawover anesthesia systems may be used but have not been studied. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of induction of anesthesia in children comparing a continuous flow system using the Farman entrainer and the pediatric t-piece, to a pediatric drawover system.

The potential for the Farman entrainer to be used with a pediatric t-piece: a bench study.

Objectives: To determine the limits of performance of the Farman Entrainer used with the t-piece for pediatric anesthesia in areas with limited oxygen supplies.

Methods: Bench tests were conducted with different system configurations, normal and 'emergency situation' ventilation patterns were replicated to reproduce a range of circumstances the anesthetist may encounter.

Results: We found that Fi0(2) rises and flow decreases with increasing CPAP, but probably within safe limits.