The flomasta. A new anaesthetic ventilator

A new ventilator for use during anaesthesia is described. It operates as a minute-volume divider and derives its power from the energy stored in a distended reservoir bag. The unit is autoclavable, suitable for use with explosive anaesthetics and has a rational control system which avoids many of the hazards associated with other ventilators when the mode of ventilation is changed. The nature of the inspired gas mixture is known accurately because the internal volume of the ventilator is small and the system is non-rebreathing. The design of the exhaust system facilitates ventilation monitoring, the use of positive end-expiratory pressure and connection to ducted pollution-control systems.