Anesthesia Machine Anatomy and Pneumatics

This course provides a comprehensive examination of modern anesthesia workstation pneumatics and functionality, essential for equipment service technicians. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the high, intermediate, and low-pressure systems, exploring the principles and practical operation of mechanical and electronic flowmeters and precision flow control valves. Detailed instruction covers gas proportioning systems, the mechanics of variable bypass and injection vaporizers, and the critical common gas outlet. The course thoroughly investigates the components and function of circle breathing systems, including unidirectional valves, the Adjustable Pressure-Limiting (APL) valve, and the reservoir bag. Further topics include CO2 absorbent chemistry and function, active and passive scavenging methodologies, the oxygen flush system, and critical failsafe devices. Emphasis is placed on systematic pneumatic troubleshooting using flow and pressure logic.

InstructorPatrick Powers

Prerequisites

ANE 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Anesthesia Workstation: High-Pressure Systemlecture

02Anesthesia Workstation: Intermediate Pressure Systemlecture

03Anesthesia Workstation: Low-Pressure System and Common Gas Outletlecture

04Gas Delivery: Flow Control, Mechanical and Electronic Flowmeterslab

05Gas Delivery: Proportioning Systems and Oxygen Flushlecture

06Vaporization: Variable Bypass and Injection Vaporizerslecture

07Patient Breathing System: Circuit Components and Unidirectional Valveslecture

08Midterm Review and Applied Pneumatic Practicelab

09Patient Breathing System: APL Valve, Reservoir Bag, and CO2 Absorbentslecture

10Scavenging Systems: Active and Passivelecture

11Safety Features: Hypoxic Guard Systems and Failsafe Mechanismslecture

12Pneumatic Troubleshooting: Principles, Flow, and Pressure Logiclab

13Pneumatic Troubleshooting: Practical Diagnostics and Repairlecture

14Anesthesia Workstation Service Project: Functional Testing and Performance Verificationassignment

Syllabus

Course Objectives:

1.  Identify and describe the function of all major components within the high, intermediate, and low-pressure systems of a modern anesthesia workstation, tracing gas flow paths logically through each system.
2.  Explain the operational principles of both mechanical and electronic flow control valves and flowmeters, and assess their accuracy and proper calibration.
3.  Detail the mechanism of action for proportioning systems, variable bypass vaporizers, and injection vaporizers, and perform pre-use checks for safe and accurate agent delivery.
4.  Describe the components and gas flow through a circle breathing system, including the function of unidirectional valves, the Adjustable Pressure Limiting (APL) valve, and the reservoir bag.
5.  Explain the principles of operation for oxygen flush and various failsafe devices, and evaluate their functionality during routine maintenance.
6.  Diagnose common pneumatic malfunctions within anesthesia workstations by applying systematic flow and pressure logic to isolate faults.

Grading for this course will be based on a combination of assessments: knowledge checks (10%), assignments and laboratory exercises (30%), quizzes (25%), and a comprehensive final examination (35%).

Students are expected to develop practical familiarity with various types of anesthesia workstations, including their internal pneumatic components, external breathing circuit configurations, and associated gas scavenging equipment. This includes hands-on identification, inspection, and functional testing of these systems.