Some gas machine hazards and their elimination

Constant improvement in anesthetic gas machines has been the objective mutually of anesthesiologists, manufacturers, and engineers. Yet the literature continues to report mishaps, sometimes fatal to the patient, due to machine design or function or to "human error." The author reviews some of these hazards and describes proposals for their elimination. He points out that initiative on the part of anesthesiologists is vital in spurring needed changes by manufacturers.