J U LY 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T 3 9
Some manufacturers say their machines
make it easier to deliver low flow. That
may be true, but the reality is that most
anesthesia providers have known for a
long time how to facilitate low flow. It's not
that difficult, so I'd be skeptical about
spending extra on a machine that claims to
make it easier. I'd want to hear the busi-
ness case as to why I need that (or any
other) feature, and I'd want to see real
numbers.
The concept of low-flow anesthesia may
also be less important in the outpatient
setting, because cases tend to be shorter.
As with a short airline flight, you may
spend a lot of time taking off (induction)
and landing (emergence), but very little
time cruising through the steady state,
which is when low flow is most valuable.
If you're doing a 10-hour neurological pro-
cedure, low flow will save a significant
amount of money. It won't shave much of
the case cost of a 30-minute knee scope,
however.
5. Small footprint
Square footage is at a premium in the out-
patient setting. Fortunately, you don't
need a big machine to match the capabili-
