High-quality filtration allows reuse of anesthesia breathing circuits resulting in cost savings and reduced medical waste.

Study Objectives: To determine if the new Filta-Therm filter prevents contamination and allows the reuse of breathing circuit with considerable cost and environmental savings.

Design: Prospective study.

Patients: 52 ASA physical status I, II, III, and IV patients, aged 18 to 75 years.

Interventions: Each morning a new breathing circuit was assembled. The Filta-Therm filter (Intersurgical, Inc., Liverpool, NY) elbow, and mask, but not the circuit, were changed between patients. The filter was placed between the Y-piece and the elbow of the breathing circuit. Prior to anesthesia, samples were obtained at the Y-piece, and the inspiratory and expiratory ports of breathing circuit. Following anesthesia, samples were obtained at the Murphy eye of endotrachael tube, and at the Y-piece. The samples were incubated, and the results examined at 24 and 48 hours.

Measurements And Main Results: Prior to anesthesia, cultures of the Y-piece and the inspired and expired ports samples showed no growth. Following anesthesia, all 52 samples obtained at the endotracheal tube were contaminated with various organisms, while all 52 Y-piece samples showed negative growth.

Conclusions: The single use of Filta-Therm filter prevents bacterial contamination and allows reuse of breathing circuit at least twice, resulting in significant cost savings ($50,778 per year). Further studies are needed to establish the safety of reusing breathing circuits when appropriate bacterial filters are used.