ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses equipment and monitoring. It also explains history and evolution, functions of the anaesthetic machine, pipelines, cylinders, pressure gauges, pressure regulators and flow control valves for the same. These include the anaesthetic machine, breathing systems, depth of anaesthesia, pre-use check procedures and ventilators. The anaesthetic machine provides an accurate and continuous flow of anaesthetic gases and vapours. Breathing systems deliver anaesthetic gas mixtures to the patient. 'Depth of anaesthesia' can be represented as a balance between the factors causing hypnosis and the stimulating factors which lighten anaesthesia. Inadequate attention may risk patient awareness due to imbalance of stimulating factors and hypnotic factors. For the safe administration of anaesthesia, certain core standards of monitoring should be used. These minimum standards should be uniform irrespective of the duration, location or mode of anaesthesia. Anaesthetists use a wide variety of equipment on a daily basis and must be adept at carrying out routine checks in order to deliver safe anaesthetic care.
