Airway pressure effects on the performance of the Ohmeda Universal Portable Anesthesia Complete vaporizer with push-over mechanical ventilation

In previous studies, the use of mechanical ventilation in a push-over configuration with the Ohmeda Universal Portable Anesthesia Complete vaporizer was evaluated by bench testing and clinical application. During the clinical evaluation, it was noted that airway pressure transmitted back through the vaporizer during inspiration affected performance based on the concentration of inhalation agent delivered. This study evaluated the effects of airway pressure on vaporizer performance and established concentration curves for clinically significant incremental increases in airway pressure. Vaporizer performance was consistent, predictable, and correlated with the data obtained in previous studies.