Physics in Anesthesiology: Basic Science Review

Abstract

Safety in the delivery of anesthesia is inextricably linked to the proper functioning of anesthesia equipment and resuscitative equipment, and to the presence of a consultant in anesthesia who can maintain safety in the face of equipment failure. This consultant relies upon basic principles in troubleshooting and evaluation of alternatives when equipment malfunction occurs. This chapter reviews the standards and principles that underlie the function of anesthesia equipment, including measurement of patient variables and prevention of common safety mishaps (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/ASA/A124).