Anesthesia machines haven’t changed much in the last five years. However, today’s machines have numerous new features that make them easier, more efficient, and safer than in the past.
Regardless, the large range of possible features, as well as the several manufacturers available. Can make identifying the proper machine for your business challenging. This article will detail some of the most significant features your machine should have. As well as assist you in determining which type of machine is best for you.
Type of Ventilator
There are two different types of ventilators connected to anaesthetic equipment. But you must make sure that yours only has the standing bellows ventilator. Because it is an integral element of the machine, this kind of ventilator is the best. Why is this crucial? Because a standing bellows ventilator will collapse right away if a machine leak is discovered or a patient becomes disconnected.
Contrarily, machines without a hanging bellows will keep refilling even when there is a significant leak. Which could endanger the patient and operator. Modern anesthesia machines from many different manufacturers come equipped with alarm systems that activate when a patient is lost or a system leak is discovered.
The practice of anesthesia has undergone a revolution with the move of all treatments to ambulatory levels. Any ventilator you use should provide guaranteed volume and allow for pressure-limited breathing to safeguard the lungs. The pressure control on the medical device, whether new or used, should be powerful enough to ventilate challenging patients.
Safety Options
Even though they are present in the majority of contemporary systems. There are several safety measures you should make sure the machine you’re considering buying has. Backup oxygen and/or nitrous cylinders ought to be mounted to the machine’s back as a backup supply in case the primary supply runs out.
You should check to see if the machines you’re thinking about have oxygen sensors in addition to backup cylinders. These sensors will let the operators know how much oxygen is being provided to the patients and alert them when the oxygen supply is running low.
You should make sure your chosen machine has at least two vaporizer ports if your facility treats both adults and children. This will enable the induction of adults using an IV and isoflurane maintenance. And the induction of children using sevoflurane or halothane.
Machine Dimensions and Mobility
The size and mobility of any anaesthetic equipment purchased will be a key factor to take into account. You must take into account several factors when choosing the right machine size for your facility. These factors include the size of the space in which the machine will be utilized. The likelihood that the machine will be moved, and the frequency of those moves.
If space is at a premium, the anesthetic machine you select must provide the operator enough space around it and allow for enough ventilation. It makes sense to select an anesthetic machine that is lighter and easier for employees to move if it will be required to move frequently in the setting where it will be used when it is needed
Storage space
In addition to the aforementioned qualities, you should make sure the anaesthetic equipment you purchase has adequate storage. It will be more efficient if there are shelves for the monitors and drawers for the tubing, stylets. And endotracheal tubes. It can also be quite advantageous if the machine has a suction system built in or a place to attach a suction regulator.
Your Branding Choices
Your next choice will be to select a brand of machine. And you’ll find there are many possibilities, after you’ve decided what you need in terms of features, size, and storage. What you’ve determined to be crucial in a machine will determine which is the ideal choice for your facility. It’s important to keep in mind that some brand names may be able to provide more than others.
Anesthesia Systems by GE
GE’s anesthesia systems are well-liked for a number of reasons. Two of GE’s top anesthetic machine brands are Drager and Ohmeda. Both brands offer battery backup to enable uninterrupted operation in the event of a power loss.
Additionally, Ohmeda and Drager equipment can easily work with your current data management system and other devices because to their open architecture. Additionally, thanks to this technology, professionals can concentrate on the patient’s wellbeing rather than the system’s health during anesthesia machine operation.
Drager’s fresh gas decoupling system. Which reduces volu and barotrauma as well as the addition of FGFs to the tidal volume, is another factor contributing to increased patient safety. GE also manufactures the top anesthesia systems Carestation, Aespire, Aestiva, and Avance.
Options for Purchasing: New and Refurbished Equipment
You will have to choose between buying a new machine or one that has been refurbished if one or more of your anesthetic systems need to be replaced. Naturally, there will be a number of factors to take into account.
For instance, investing in new equipment has many advantages, not the least of which is being able to provide patients with the newest technology. Additionally, the presence of modern equipment may encourage more people to seek your care. Additionally, as was already said, the numerous helpful features of modern anaesthetic equipment help professionals concentrate on the patient.
Cost and duration
But buying new equipment is expensive. Make sure you have enough money set out to buy a new anaesthetic equipment. If not, getting a loan can be your best option for getting the equipment you require. However, if you want to do this, be aware that you will probably need to make a 20% down payment on the equipment.
Naturally, a decision on whether or not to sell your equipment will need to be made once it gets outdated. This could be challenging if the technology is outdated.
You may also choose to buy refurbished equipment as an alternative to buying new. The same chance to give cutting-edge technology to your patients is available when you buy used equipment. But at a lower upfront cost.
Payment Alternatives
The availability of extra payment alternatives is another advantage of buying old equipment. In contrast to buying a brand-new anesthetic system, you can pay for a refurbished unit whenever it’s convenient for you.
When you lease equipment, your monthly payments are set and there are no additional expenses to be concerned about.
All that is required to replace a used anaesthetic machine once it becomes outdated is to exchange it for a new, refurbished unit with modernized technology. The organization you leased the equipment from handles the following actions.
You must choose between new and secondhand medical equipment based on which is ideal for your facility. In the end, it truly comes down to your budget. However, you might need further guidance in determining the features you require and the ideal machine size.
Buying the Right Anesthesia Machine for Your Facility – Mindray