oxygen injector ventilation in adults and children: use of a variable pressure driving gas valve and a right angled connector

Abstract

An oxygen injector system (Harwill Medical, South Africa) was tested for ventilating intubated patients. There were 21 adult and 25 children. The system incorporates a variable presure re reducing value and a right-angled end connection with a 14 gauge oxygen exit nozzle and a 12 mm side port to atmosphere. Intravenous propofol was used to maintain anaesthesia, while the patients underwent alternate 10- minute periods of ventilation with the oxygen injector or an Ohmedia 7000 ventilator. Tidal volumes (ml/kg) achieved by mechanical ventilation were 8.06 ± 1.89 in adults and 7 28 ±2.01 in children, compared with 5.79 ±2.1 3 and 4.57 + 1.58 respectively, with the oxygen injector (P > 0.05). Peak airway pressures (cmH2O) on mechanical ventilation were 18.61 ± 3.06 and 20.21 ± 2.89 in adults and children. The corresponding pressures with the oxygen injector were 19.42 ± 3.97 and 18.49 ± 3.27 (P > 0.05). Cardiovascular parameters were unchanged. A side port adaptation provided a suction capability for water at a rate of 9.16 ml/s. We conclude that this system is an effective universal ventilator suitable for short-term ventilation and suction of patients.