The upper respiratory tract plays an important role in acclimatizing the inhaled gas as the respiratory epithelium of the lower respiratory tract changes towards the terminal bronchioles, successively decreasing the capability to humidify and warm the inspired gas. During anaesthesia, however, the upper respiratory tract is bypassed by endotracheal intubation or a laryngeal mask, leaving the lower respiratory tract potentially overcharged with the task of adequately acclimatizing the cold and dry gas applied during high flow anaesthesia. Mechanical ventilation with cold and dry gas can thus lead to damage of the lung parenchyma.

Cold and dry respiratory gases reduce ciliary activity in the respiratory epithelium. The reduction of mucociliary clearance can lead to atelectasis and infections, conditions referred to as postoperative pulmonary complications. Warming and humidifying the respiratory gases using low-flow anaesthesia can reduce these negative effects on the respiratory epithelium.

Discover below the benefits of low-flow anesthesia in our clinical whitepaper! In addition, read the "Technology Insights – Low- and minimal-flow anaesthesia" paper about Dräger technologies which enable the safe and simple application of low flow technique in the daily routine.

Wide-ranging clinical experience shows that low-flow anaesthesia is a safe and simple-to-perform technique and can be easily used in daily clinical routine. ”The safety and technical capability of today’s anaesthesia machines make low-flow, minimal-flow and metabolic-flow anaesthesia the procedures of choice.” This is the conclusion of Bert Mierke (MD/PhD) and Christian Hoenemann (MD/PhD), passionate low-flow advocates and authors of the booklet on low- , minimal- and metabolic flow anaesthesia.

This booklet provides background information and practical advice for the safe use of these techniques.