Choosing The Right Anesthesia Machine

Over the past few years, anesthesia machines haven’t undergone many changes. However, today’s machines do have many added features that have made them easier, more efficient, and safer than they were in earlier years. Regardless, the wide array of available features, as well as the many brands available are what can make the right machine for your facility difficult to identify. 

However, GE and Drager, two leading medical manufacturers, have been leading the way in top-of-the-line innovative anesthesia machines—GE Aestiva 5 and the Drager Fabius GS. 

Continue reading further to learn more. 

WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA MACHINE DO YOU NEED

The best way to approach this question is to ask yourself if you need an anesthesia ventilator. Ventilators are necessary for all procedures that require general anesthesia where the patient requires deeper sedation. If your medical facility performs this kind of procedure, then you will need an integrated anesthesia machine. Integrated anesthesia systems are designed for full operating rooms. These integrated units usually offer ventilation with volume and pressure control and other advanced modes. In fact, they also typically feature three vaporizer chambers, integrated monitoring, gas delivery management, and compatibility with electric data systems 

If your facility doesn’t require an anesthesia ventilator, a portable or portable anesthesia system could be a good option. Compact anesthesia machines are designed for fieldwork or office-based procedures that require conscious sedation. 

CHOOSING A GOOD ANESTHESIA MACHINE

If your facility performs surgical procedures which require general anesthesia as well as muscle relaxation, you’ll need to purchase a traditional anesthesia workstation. Here are some common safety features to look for:

• A standing below ventilator
• A fail-safe mechanism
• An oxygen sensor and backup gas cylinders.
• At least two vaporizing ports
• Storage space
• Mobility

Before all else, it’s a good idea to determine how your new anesthesia unit will function with your existing equipment. Review the vaporizer mounting options that are compatible. This is especially important if you plan to switch anesthesia machine brands. 

INTRODUCTION TO GE DATEX OHMEDA AESTIVA 5 ANESTHESIA MACHINE

The GE Datex Ohmeda Aestiva 5 anesthesia machine offers exceptional capabilities and flexibility with a cost-effective approach to anesthesia therapy. The Aestiva 5 is a multi-faceted system that addresses the many demands of the ICU and OR environment. It also comes with two optional ventilators – the 7100 or 7900 SmartVent. These ventilation options offer similar capabilities to an intensive care ventilator without having a separate machine. The machine’s open architecture gives you the flexibility to use your current monitors and data management systems, helping you stay within your budget while achieving physical integration in one unit. 

• Integrated Advanced Breathing System
• 7100, 7900 SmartVent optional ventilation 
• 2-3 Vaporizer Configuration 
• Dual airflow tube for low flow
• High-Res video display with four monitoring control options 
• Built-in Diagnostics
• Patient-centered engineering and clinician-oriented efficiency

GE AESTIVA 5 SPECIFICATIONS

Additionally, its flexible ergonomic design and intuitive operations make it easy to transport the system between different units.

• Dimensions: (height) 53.4”, (width) 29.5” , (depth) 32.7” , (weight) 300lbs
• Dimensions with two vaporizers: (height) 53.4”, (width) 36.6”, (depth) 32.7” , (weight) 340lbs 
• Modes of Ventilation: Volume Control Mode with tidal volume compensation, Pressure Mode (optional)
• Tidal Volume Range: 45 – 1500 mL
• Built-in machine diagnostics make for streamlined service and preventive maintenance effective. 
• Battery backup to allow for a continuous function should a power outage occur

INTRODUCTION TO DRAGER FABIUS GS ANESTHESIA MACHINE

On the other hand, the Drager Fabius GS features an ergonomic design that ensures efficient use and helps create a productive anesthesia environment for anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. With its modular design, you can configure the workstation you require. Additionally, the Fabius GS provides simple software and hardware upgradability as well as an open platform for communication. There are many innovative features the Fabius GS system offers.

• Electronic gas-flow measurement 
• Compact and convenient breathing system
• Intelligent cable management 
• Full-color screen
• Universal mounting platform
• Easy integration into the existing hospital information system
• Central braking
• Continuous monitoring during transport and auto reconfiguration

DRAGER FABIUS GS SPECIFICATIONS

Moreover, the Fabius GS is suitable for any patient—pediatrics to adults—and provides Volume Controlled Ventilation, Pressure Controlled Ventilation, Synchronized Volume Control (SIMV), Pressure Support, and Manual modes. Pressure Support mode facilitates spontaneous breathing by removing the work of breathing due to circuit resistance, improving comfort levels, and enhancing the quality of patient care. 

• Dimensions: (height) 51.5”, (width) 35”, (depth) 33.1”, (weight) 224lbs
• Modes of Ventilation: Volume Controlled Ventilation, Pressure Controlled Ventilation, Synchronized Volume Control (SIMV
• Vaporizer Interface: Drager or Selectatec mount
• Tidal Volume Range: 20 – 1400 mL
• Power Supply: 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 2.3 A max

ANESTHESIA MACHINE MEDICAL PARTS

Furthermore, Soma Tech Intl offers spare parts for each anesthesia machine unit and other capital medical equipment we sell. We supply a wide coverage of medical parts to best fit your medical facility’s needs. You can order online, email [email protected], or call our Medical Parts Department at 1-860-578-1033. 

REQUESTING AN ANESTHESIA MACHINE 

The decision to purchase new or used equipment is this: it must continually add value to your practice. Here at Soma, we guarantee full coverage of new and refurbished anesthesia machines and other quality medical equipment. We offer refurbished medical equipment up to 50% below OEM prices with the same service and warranty as new. This can certainly ensure a lasting value on your medical investments. Furthermore, if you would like to request either of the two anesthesia machines mentioned, you can contact us at 1.800.GET.SOMA or email us at [email protected]. One of our knowledgeable sales representatives can assist you with any further inquiries you may have.

FINAL THOUGHT 

To summarize, the choice of anesthesia systems depends on a variety of factors like procedure types, patient profile, budget, compatibility with existing systems, staff’s ability and training to handle the equipment, and even space constraints.

Did you enjoy this article? Was the article helpful in the search for your next anesthesia machine? Which of the two anesthesia systems mentioned are you most interested in? Which anesthesia machines do you commonly deal with? Please leave a comment below!