Over the past few years, anesthesia machines haven’t undergone many changes. However, today’s machines do have many added features which have made them easier, more efficient, and safer than they were in earlier years.
Regardless, the wide array of available features, as well as the many brands available are what can make the right machine for your facility difficult to identify. This article will outline some of the most important features your machine should have, as well as help you figure out what kind of machine will work best for you.
Ventilator Type
Although there are two types of ventilators associated with anesthesia machines, you need to ensure that yours has only one type, which is the standing bellows ventilator. This type of ventilator is best because it is a part of the machine. Why is this important? Because should a leak be detected in the machine or a patient become disconnected, a standing bellows ventilator will collapse immediately.
In contrast, machines without a hanging bellows will continue to refill even when a leak is substantial, which can place the patient and operator in danger. Many brands of modern anesthesia machines will include an alarm system which sounds when a patient becomes disconnected or a system leak is detected.
The shift of all procedures to ambulatory levels has revolutionized the practice of anesthesia. Any ventilator you choose should allow for ventilation that’s pressure-limited to protect the lungs, as well as offer guaranteed volume. The new or used medical equipment’s pressure control should also be strong enough to ventilate difficult patients.
Safety Features
Even though most modern systems contain them, there are certain safety features you should ensure the machine has that you’re considering purchasing. Backup oxygen and/or nitrous cylinders should be attached to the back of the machine to serve as a reserve supply in the event that the main supply runs out.
In addition to backup cylinders, you’ll also want to ensure that the machines you’re considering have oxygen sensors, which will tell the operators what percentage of oxygen is being delivered to patients, as well as tell them when the oxygen supply is becoming depleted.
If your facility is treating both adults and children, then you’ll want to ensure your preferred machine offers two vaporizer ports, at the least. This will allow adults to be induced via IV and maintained with isoflurane, and children to be induced by sevoflurane or halothane.
Size and Mobility of the Machine
Another important consideration for any anesthesia machine purchase will be its size and the mobility it offers. To determine the best size of machine for your facility, you will need to consider not only the size of the room in which the machine will be used, but also consider whether you will be moving the machine, and, if so, how often.
If space is at a premium, the anesthesia machine you choose will need to offer sufficient clearance around the machine for the operator and proper ventilation. If your anesthesia machine is in an environment where it will need to be moved frequently, then it makes sense to choose one that is lighter and easier for staff to move it where it is needed.
Room for Storage
In addition to the above features, you’ll also want to ensure that the anesthesia machine you buy has enough storage space. Shelves to hold monitors and drawers for the storage of tubing, stylets, and endotracheal tubes will allow for higher efficiency. If the machine has a suction system built in or an area to attach a suction regulator, this can also be of significant benefit.
Your Brand Options
Once you’ve determined what you need in terms of features, size, and storage, your next decision will be to choose a brand of machine, and you’ll discover there are many options. Which is the best option for your facility will depend on what you’ve identified to be important in a machine. However, it’s worth it to consider that some brand names can offer more than others.
GE Anesthesia Systems
Anesthesia systems made by GE are popular for several reasons. Drager and Ohmeda are two of GE’s top brands of anesthesia machine. Both brands have battery backup to allow for continuous function should a power outage occur.
As well, because of their open architecture, Ohmeda and Drager machines can integrate seamlessly with your existing data management system and other equipment. This technology also allows for the focus of clinicians to be on the patient’s health during use of the anesthesia machine, instead of on monitoring system health.
Another element of greater patient safety is Drager’s fresh gas decoupling system, which prevents volu and barotrauma, as well as prevents the addition of FGFs to delivered tidal volume. Other top anesthesia systems made by GE include Carestation, Aespire, Aestiva, and Avance.
Purchasing Options – New and Refurbished Equipment
If one or more of your anesthesia systems need to be replaced, you will be faced with the decision of purchasing a new machine or one that’s been refurbished. There will, of course, be several things to consider.
For example, purchasing new equipment does have many benefits, not the least of which is the ability to offer patients the latest technology. As well, the fact that you have new equipment can also inspire a higher number of new patients to come to you. And, as mentioned earlier, the many useful features of today’s anesthesia machines make it easier for clinicians to focus on the patient.
Cost and Lifespan
New equipment is costly, however. You’ll need to ensure you have the budget to cover the purchase of a new anesthesia machine. If not, obtaining a loan may be the best way to acquire the equipment you need. If doing this, however, keep in mind that you will likely have to put a down payment on the equipment of approximately 20%.
When buying new equipment, it definitely pays to think about the future. Eventually, your equipment will become obsolete. This fact makes it important to choose an anesthesia machine for sale that is not only able to integrate with your current systems, but that is also able to grow with your future needs. This will allow you to keep your new equipment for as long as possible before the next replacement is needed.
Of course, once your equipment becomes obsolete, a decision will need to be made about whether or not to sell it. If the technology is older, this may be difficult.
Your other option for getting new equipment is to purchase that which has been refurbished. Purchasing refurbished equipment provides you with the same opportunity to offer current technology to your patients but without the high upfront cost.
Payment Options
Another benefit of purchasing used equipment is the fact that there are more options for payment. Unlike the purchase of new anesthesia systems, purchasing a refurbished machine allows you to make payments on your own schedule. Your monthly payments are fixed when you lease equipment, and there are no fees to worry about.
Once a used anesthesia machine becomes obsolete, all that’s needed is to trade it for another refurbished model with updated technology. The company from which you lease the equipment takes care of the next steps.
Added Value
The bottom line with the decision to purchase new or used equipment is this: It must continually add value to your practice. If it doesn’t add value, it is costing you more money than you need to spend.
The decision of whether new or used medical equipment is best for your facility is a decision that you must make. After all, it really depends on your budget. However, you may need additional assistance deciding on the features you need and the size of machine that’s best.
Where this is the case, it really does pay to speak with a professional about what you need. A company which sells both new and refurbished anesthesia machines and other medical equipment by top brands in the industry is your best chance for getting your desired equipment.
Anesthesia Plus has been assisting medical facilities with finding their ideal equipment since 1990. We not only rigorously test all of the equipment we sell, but we also offer continued support after your purchase. To learn more about how to ensure you get the right equipment for your facility, call 1-800-887-8161.