Anaesthesia breathing systems

Abstract

Anaesthetic breathing systems are used to provide oxygen and anaesthetic gases to a patient and to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂). Anaesthesia breathing systems are complex but important; they keep patients alive. A good understanding of their history and how they work is important for safe anaesthetic practice. This article discusses the main components of anaesthesia breathing systems and the characteristics of an ideal breathing system. Furthermore, the various classifications of breathing systems are explored, and non-circle systems are compared to traditional circle systems.