Methane influences infrared technique anesthetic agent monitors

During closed-circuit anesthesia, anesthetic vapor analysis by infrared absorption at 3.3 microm can be influenced by the concentration of accumulated methane, resulting in inaccurate readings of anesthetic concentrations. The current study examined the influence of different known methane concentrations on the analysis of halothane or isoflurane concentrations by the infrared absorption technique.

Three different gas mixtures containing 100, 500 and 1000 ppm methane were given through an experimental sampling bar. Four infrared technique anesthetic agent monitors were examined: (1) the Ultima (Datex), (2) the Andros analyzer (Cato anesthesia machine, Driger), (3) the anesthetic gas monitor 1304 (Brüel & Kjaer) and (4) the mainstream analyzer Irina (Drager). All devices, except the Brüel & Kjaer anesthetic gas monitor, function at 3.3 microm wavelength. The Brüel & Kjaer apparatus functions at 10.3-13 microm wavelength. The readings were recorded with and without addition of halothane (or isoflurane) at a halothane (or an isoflurane) dedicated sensitivity after application of methane.

At the two highest methane concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) all studied devices except the Brüel & Kjaer anesthetic gas monitor 1304 displayed inaccurate anesthetic concentrations. This was more pronounced at halothane than at isoflurane sensitivity. Introduction of halothane (0.8%) or isoflurane (0.8%) vapor into the experimental sampling bar resulted in values that were additive to the falsely recorded ones.

In closed circuit or low-flow anesthesia, in which methane can accumulate, infrared measuring techniques for potent inhalation anesthetics that do not use the 3.3 microm wavelength appear to be preferable.