The potential for the Farman entrainer to be used with a pediatric t-piece: A bench study

Objectives To determine the limits of performance of the Farman Entrainer used with the t-piece for pediatric anesthesia in areas with limited oxygen supplies. Methods Bench tests were conducted with different system configurations, normal and 'emergency situation' ventilation patterns were replicated to reproduce a range of circumstances the anesthetist may encounter. Results We found that Fi02 rises and flow decreases with increasing CPAP, but probably within safe limits. A one way valve is essential to avoid high concentration of volatile agent. Very high ventilation rates reduce flow significantly. Increasing oxygen input from an oxygen concentrator increases the flow output but does not increase Fi02. Conclusion The basic characteristics of the system are within normally accepted parameters for t-piece anesthesia, safety in practice requires to be demonstrated by a clinical study. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.