A Protocol for Conducting Closed-Circuit Anesthesia

This study developed a protocol for the conduct of closed-circuit anesthesia. The problem is that anesthetists are unfamiliar with this anesthetic technique. Even a very promising system for delivery of general anesthesia, such as closed-circuit anesthesia, cannot be employed if there is a lack of understanding of its theory and practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the theoretical background for closed-circuit anesthesia, and to explain how this technique is practiced, in order to increase its acceptance by anesthesia providers. It was found that uptake of anesthetic is proportional to the square root of time. This allows doses of anesthetic to be calculated and injected precisely at ever increasing time intervals in order to give the patient enough anesthetic to conduct general surgery. The additional equipment needed to conduct closed-circuit anesthesia includes a low-flow capable anesthetic machine, polyethylene tubing, Baralyme absorber, an oxygen meter and a syringe for injecting liquid anesthetic.