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| Typical Number in Hospital: 200 | Cost Bands: 1 | References: 2 |
This is an expiratory valve used in anaesthetic breathing circuits. Its purpose is to allow expired gases to pass out of the breathing circuit and to prevent outside air being drawn in during inspiration. It usually consists of a wide-bore T-tube suitable for inclusion in the breathing circuit close to the patient with the side arm containing a poppet valve in which the poppet is held against a collar by a light spring. The spring tension, and hence the opening pressure, is controlled by screwing down the valve top. When the valve top is screwed home the valve is locked closed. The valve is usually of metal construction and can be easily dismantled for cleaning or sterilizing.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details