surgical nursing (veterinary)

Module 9 – Surgical nursing and theatre practice

Appendix 9.7 – Anaesthetic circuit selection, maintenance, use and cleaning


In this practice we routinely use two different types of anaesthetic circuit – the Jackson-Rees Modified Ayre’s T-Piece, and a circle system containing a soda lime canister.

Jackson Rees Modified Ayre’s T-Piece

This is ideal for use in small patients, as there is minimum resistance and apparatus dead space. The circuit concentration of anaesthetic is easily controlled with this circuit, as a change in vaporiser setting is almost immediately followed by a change in the concentration of anaesthetic being delivered to the patient. Great care must be taken when scavenging this circuit – the scavenging pipe is connected to the open ended reservoir bag, on the expiratory limb of the circuit. This can easily twist and occlude the reservoir bag, so it must monitored closely. However the circuit has advantages in that it is ideal for intermittent...