Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 30, 469-473, Copyright © 1983 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Survey Report: Results of the Canadian Anaesthetists' Society Opinion Survey on Anaesthetic Equipment

¹ Bureau of Medical Devices, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa

Address correspondence to: Philip D. Neufeld, Bureau of Medical Devices, Environmental Health Centre, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Design shortcomings in carbon dioxide absorber bypasses and conical connectors in breathing circuits have been implicated in a number of fatal anaesthesia mishaps. In order to obtain users' views on the risks and benefits of these devices, a questionnaire was sent to 1,950 members of the Canadian Anaesthetists' Society. This paper presents a summary of the 313 responses received. Respondents were equally divided on whether the advantages of a CO₂ absorber bypass outweigh the risks of accidental misuse. However, 53 per cent felt the bypass should not be removed from the absorber and 79 per cent favoured clearer labelling of the bypass setting. Accidental disconnections of conical fittings are daily occurrences. The most frequent site is the tracheal tube connector. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents use some method of securing the connectors, in most cases by taping them. The commonest reason given for not using commercial locking devices was that they are not available. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents use disconnect alarms when ventilating a patient.

Key Words: EQUIPMENT: carbon dioxide absorber • connectors