INTRA-ANESTHETIC ON-LINE MONITORING OF OXYGEN CONSUMPTION USING A CLOSED CIRCUIT SYSTEM

There are three main reasons to advocate the use of a closed circuit system in anesthesia and intensive care: 1. Economical: cost reduction by decrease of gas consumption (oxygen, nitrous oxide and volatile anesthetics); 2. Environmental: reduction of anesthetic gas losses into the atmosphere and direct work place environment; 3. Monitoring: Continuous on-line monitoring of oxygen consumption and CO2 production, thus oxygen metabolism.