A method for measuring the anesthetic agent consumption in a ventilation system has a breathing circuit which contains a gas mixer (1) and an anesthetic agent metering device (2). The anesthetic agent quantity, which is consumed over a pregiven time interval in the ventilation system, is determined from the sum of the determined anesthetic gas volume flows in the ventilation system which are integrated over the pregiven time interval.

An apparatus for supplying breathing air to a person includes a rebreathing system arranged in the air supply circuit, which removes CO.sub.2 at least in part present in the person's expiration air with a CO.sub.2 absorber, and treats the expiration air to supply treated air to the person again as inhalation air. The apparatus includes a condensate collection container (9) collecting water forming in the air supply circuit. The condensate collection container (9) is arranged at least in part below a reaction zone (17) of the CO.sub.2 absorber (1). At least one heat exchanger (10, 14) is provided in the CO.sub.2 absorber, via which heat from the air, which flows through the CO.sub.2 absorber and is heated as a result of the exothermic CO.sub.2 absorption reaction occurring in the reaction zone of the CO.sub.2 absorber, is dissipated.

An apparatus for supplying breathing air to a person includes a rebreathing system arranged in the air supply circuit, which removes CO.sub.2 at least in part present in the person's expiration air with a CO.sub.2 absorber, and treats the expiration air to supply treated air to the person again as inhalation air. The apparatus includes a condensate collection container (9) collecting water forming in the air supply circuit. The condensate collection container (9) is arranged at least in part below a reaction zone (17) of the CO.sub.2 absorber (1). At least one heat exchanger (10, 14) is provided in the CO.sub.2 absorber, via which heat from the air, which flows through the CO.sub.2 absorber and is heated as a result of the exothermic CO.sub.2 absorption reaction occurring in the reaction zone of the CO.sub.2 absorber, is dissipated.

A chemical absorbent comprising a hydrated mixture of a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable hydroxide of a Group II metal and a minor proportion of a Group I metal-containing zeolite. The chemical absorbent is substantially free of hydroxides of Group I metals.

A chemical absorbent comprising a hydrated mixture of a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable hydroxide of a Group II metal and a minor proportion of a Group I metal-containing zeolite. The chemical absorbent is substantially free of hydroxides of Group I metals.

Described here are closed-circuit breathing devices and methods for their use. In general, the closed-circuit breathing device is configured to achieve a steady-state equilibrium, whereby therapeutic gas is introduced into the breathing circuit in small, controlled volumes until a steady state concentration of the therapeutic gas is reached. During this time, the closed-circuit breathing device is operated in a true closed circuit, such that the therapeutic gas is not lost to the atmosphere. Safety measures are built into the closed-circuit breathing device so that a hypoxic mixture is not delivered to the subject. The therapeutic gas may be xenon.

Described here are closed-circuit breathing devices and methods for their use. In general, the closed-circuit breathing device is configured to achieve a steady-state equilibrium, whereby therapeutic gas is introduced into the breathing circuit in small, controlled volumes until a steady state concentration of the therapeutic gas is reached. During this time, the closed-circuit breathing device is operated in a true closed circuit, such that the therapeutic gas is not lost to the atmosphere. Safety measures are built into the closed-circuit breathing device so that a hypoxic mixture is not delivered to the subject. The therapeutic gas may be xenon.

A method and apparatus that provides a continuous source of medical grade air. A substantially tubular housing includes a first end, an aperture extending through the housing, and a second end, opposite the first end. A valve extends from the first end of the housing for dispensing medical grade air to a patient.

A method and apparatus that provides a continuous source of medical grade air. A substantially tubular housing includes a first end, an aperture extending through the housing, and a second end, opposite the first end. A valve extends from the first end of the housing for dispensing medical grade air to a patient.

A gas distributor for a rebreather, the gas distributor being configured for connection with an inhale hose and with an exhale hose with a mouthpiece in between, wherein the gas distributor comprises a gas distributor housing, an inhale chamber at the gas distributor housing and comprising a first inhale port for connection with an inhale counterlung or with a scrubber, a second inhale port for connection with the inhale hose, and a gas supply valve for supplying gas on demand, an exhale chamber at the gas distributor housing and comprising a first exhale port for connection with an exhale counterlung or with a scrubber, a second exhale port for connection with the exhale hose, and an overpressure valve for opening in an event of overpressure, and a switch arranged at the gas distributor housing and configured for being switchable between an open circuit mode and a closed circuit mode.