An oil-based model of inhalation anesthetic uptake and elimination

Abstract

An oil-based model was developed as a physical simulation of inhalation anesthetic uptake and elimination. It provides an alternative to animal models in testing the performance of anesthesia equipment. A 7.5-l water-filled manometer simulates pulmonary mechanics. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide flowing into the manometer simulate oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Oil-filled chambers (180 ml and 900 ml) simulate the uptake and washout of halothane by the vessel-rich and muscle tissue groups. A 17.2-l air-filled chamber simulates uptake by the lung group. Gas circulates through the chambers (3.7, 13.8, and 25 l/min) to simulate the transport of anesthetic to the tissues by the circulatory system. Results show that during induction and washout, the rate of rise in end-tidal halothane fraction simulated by the model parallels that measured in patients. The model's end-tidal fraction changes correctly with changes in cardiac output and alveolar ventilation. The model has been used to test anesthetic controllers and to evaluate gas sensors, and should be useful in teaching principles underlying volatile anesthetic uptake.