Modification of Diamedica drawover anaesthetic equipment to facilitate introduction to an Australian teaching hospital

Abstract

We wanted to provide training in the use of drawover techniques and apparatus at an Australian teaching hospital. Equipment based on the Diamedica vaporiser was selected as it is suitable for use with sevoflurane. A lack of standards specific to drawover equipment from either anaesthetic professional bodies or national standards authorities hinders introduction of such equipment to Australian hospitals. Two systems were purchased, the Diamedica Portable Anaesthesia System and a Glostavent anaesthetic machine. Changes made to the equipment to increase its safety and to comply with Australian standards are described.