INSUFFLATION APPARATUS

Typical Number in Hospital: 5

Cost Bands: 3,4

References:

This delivers carbon dioxide under low pressure to open up a space within the body. Its most common application is in endoscopy through flexible or rigid endoscopes to give a sufficiently large viewing area. An example is in laparoscopy when the viewing instrument is passed through a small incision in the abdomen. A space is created by carbon dioxide insufflation for viewing and internal surgery. Insufflation has also been used in the uterus to diagnose and treat blocked fallopian tubes.

Carbon dioxide is used since it will be readily absorbed into the tissues after the procedure. The apparatus normally consists of a carbon dioxide cylinder, a regulator to reduce the pressure, and a small rotameter flowmeter and needle valve to control the rate of flow. Sometimes a pressure gauge and relief valve are included. Such devices are commonly found in operating theatres.