The Diamedica Draw-Over Vaporizer: a comparison of a new vaporizer with the Oxford Miniature Vaporizer

The Diamedica Draw-Over Vaporizer (DDV) has been developed as an alternative to the Oxford Miniature Vaporizer (OMV). Both can function as draw-over or plenum vaporizers. The performances of these two vaporizers were compared under conditions simulating intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) and continuous flow (CF). Series 1 experiments were conducted with the vaporizers in water baths at 20, 25 and 30 degrees C. Vaporizers were tested at dial settings of 1-4% over a range of minute volumes (1.75-6 l.min(-1)) and flow rates (3-8 l.min(-1)). Series 2 experiments compared output of the vaporizers over time at ambient temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 degrees C. A minute volume of 6 l.min(-1) (IPPV) and a gas flow of 8 l.min(-1) (CF) were used with a vaporizer setting of 2%. Vapour concentrations were recorded at 5-min intervals. In series 1 IPPV experiments, the DDV vaporizer was more accurate, producing significantly fewer vapour concentrations 0.5% more than or less than setting (p = 0.013). The OMV tended to produce more favourable results under continuous flow (p = 0.42). In series 2 experiments, the accuracy of both vaporizers was similar but consistency of output over time was better for the DDV and consistency of output according to differences in ambient temperature was better for the DDV. The OMV produced more vapour concentrations that were markedly higher than dial setting, particularly at high ambient temperatures. The DDV is a suitable alternative to the OMV with some distinct advantages. These include a larger reservoir, tendency towards greater accuracy during IPPV and improved consistency of output.