Breathing circuit

Breathing Circuit

A Breathing Circuit (pronunciation: /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ ˈsɝː.kʊɪt/) is a medical device used to deliver oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and deliver inhalational anaesthetic agents to a patient.

Etymology

The term "Breathing Circuit" is derived from the English words "breathing", which refers to the process of respiration, and "circuit", which refers to a closed, usually circular line that goes around an object or area.

Components

A typical Breathing Circuit consists of several components:

Inspiratory limb: This is the part of the circuit where the gas flows towards the patient.
Expiratory limb: This is the part of the circuit where the gas flows away from the patient.
Fresh gas flow: This is the source of the gas that is delivered to the patient.
Reservoir bag: This is a bag that collects the gas that is not immediately inhaled by the patient.
Patient interface: This is the part of the circuit that connects to the patient, usually through a mask or endotracheal tube.

Types

There are two main types of Breathing Circuits:

Open circuit: In this type of circuit, the gas is not recirculated. Instead, fresh gas is constantly supplied and the exhaled gas is vented to the atmosphere.
Closed circuit: In this type of circuit, the exhaled gas is recirculated after being filtered and mixed with fresh gas.

Related Terms

Anaesthesia: This is a state of temporary induced loss of sensation or awareness, often used during surgeries. Breathing Circuits are often used to deliver inhalational anaesthetic agents.
Respiration: This is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Breathing Circuits assist in this process.
Endotracheal tube: This is a tube that is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an open airway. It is often connected to a Breathing Circuit.