OSE_1310_part3_Layout 1 10/7/13 10:33 AM Page 96
THINKING OF BUYING ...
Joseph A. Rodriguez, MSN, CRNA
Anesthesia Machines
Electronic advances make the case for an upgrade.
O
ne of the surgical facilities
BEYOND BREATHING
Today's anesthesia
my group practices at
machines provide more
than just vaporization
recently bought 15 new
and ventilation.
anesthesia machines, upgrading
from what was some pretty archaic equipment dating back to the
1970s. It was high time for an
upgrade, especially because the
latest models are driven in large
part by electronics. Here are 4 features of anesthesia machines in
which electronics are making a big impact on anesthesia delivery.
1. Data integration. An anesthesia machine that electronically integrates with and captures case data (such as vital signs and drugs) can
create a central hub for information and maintain an accurate and
continuous clinical record, letting us focus on patient care instead of
racing to write all the information down.
Compatibility with your EMR system and OR monitors gives a boost
to the other members of the surgical team as well. Integrating our
numbers with the numbers on the chart gives physicians, nurses and
even billers and materials managers access to more information.
2. Variable ventilation. Today's patients are a diverse population, with
a range of respiratory needs. Anesthesia machines programmed with
variable ventilation modes, automatic settings and limits are better
able to adapt to different clinical situations. Digitally controlled ventilation lets you adjust respiratory volume, pressure and speed to match
the breathing rate of each patient, from the sensitive lungs of a pedi9 6
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2013
