Comparison of Limb-OTM Circuit with Conventional Dual Limb Circuit in Controlled Ventilation

Background and Aims The study aimed to compare the functional characteristics of a newly introduced breathing circuit the Limb-OTM anesthesia breathing circuit with conventional dual limb circuit in controlled mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades I and II patients scheduled for various orthopedic surgeries of the upper limb under general anesthesia were divided into two equal groups. . Patients were assigned randomly using computer generated sequence of random numbers to one of the two groups, group Limb-oTM and group conventional. During general anesthesia readings of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), temp. of gases, end tidal CO2 and inspiratory CO2 were recorded from monitor. Peak airway pressure, mean airway pressure and static compliance were recorded from ventilator screen in a timely manner using flow sensor at thepatient end of the circuit. Results Group Limb-OTM maintained low compliance and retained high temperature of gases in comparison to group conventional. There were no statistically significant difference noted in hemodynamic parameters and airway pressure in both the groups. Conclusion We found that Limb-OTM circuit is capable of delivering a gas mixture to patient retaining more heat as compared to conventional two limb circle system. This Limb-OTM circuit in our view is more convenient and of multiuse, because of its less weight, less compliance and its adaptability to be used as Mapleson D or as a ventilator circuit.