Evaluation of Agent-Specific and Universal PAC Drawover Anesthesia Devices Using a Procine Model

Abstract : In the austere medical environment, inhalational anesthetic agents can be delivered using a drawover vaporizes anesthesia device. This small, lightweight, rugged unit can operate independently of a powered ventilator or pressurized gas cylinder. Two devices are available commercially: the Oxford Miniature Vaporizer and the PAC Portable Anesthesia System. Data in this report compare the operating characteristics of PAC agent-specific vaporizers with a Universal PAC vaporizer that is capable of delivering a variety of inhalational agents. Using a porcine model, we determined that the universal unit performed as well as agent-specific units; and overall performance was within he manufacturer's specifications. In the course of our study, some problems or limitations inherent to the design of the vaporizer were observed, one of which was corrected by the manufacturer.