BREATHING CIRCUITS TO FACILITATE THE MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC OUTPUT DURING CONTROLLED AND SPONTANEOUS VENTILATION

Abstract

A breathing circuit for use with a first gas set (FGS) and a second gas set (SGS), said circuit comprising means for keeping separate the FGS and SGS, and a means for sequentially delivering to a patient, first the FGS, and, on inspiration, when the patient inspires so as to deplete the supply of FGS into the circuit, subsequently delivers substantially SGS for the balance of inspiration.

Claims

1. A breathing circuit for use with a first gas set (FGS) and a second gas set (SGS), said circuit comprising an inspiratory limb, an expiratory limb, an FGS reservoir and a flow control system for sequentially delivering to a subject on inspiration, first the FGS and when the FGS reservoir is empty, SGS free of FGS, for the balance of inspiration, wherein the SGS comprises gas exhaled by the subject into the expiratory limb and wherein the flow control system includes a first valve operatively associated with the inspiratory limb for delivering FGS from the inspiratory reservoir, a second valve operatively associated with the expiratory limb and a third valve operatively associated the expiratory limb, wherein the second valve is interposed between a first portion of the expiratory limb proximal to the subject and a second portion of the expiratory limb distal from the subject, the first portion of the expiratory limb receiving the gas exhaled by the subject first and the second portion of the expiratory limb receiving the gas exhaled the subject passing through the second valve, the second valve configured to prevent inhalation of SGS during delivery of the FGS, the third valve configured for directing gas from the second portion of the expiratory limb to the first portion of the expiratory limb by bypassing the second valve.

2. A breathing circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third valve is configured to open in response to negative pressure in the first portion of the expiratory limb associated with emptying of the inspiratory reservoir.

3. A breathing circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third valve is operatively associated with a by-pass limb that connects the first portion of the expiratory limb and the second portion of the expiratory limb.

4. A breathing circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third valve is operatively associated with a by-pass limb that connects the first portion of the expiratory limb and the second portion of the expiratory limb.

5. The breathing circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first valve is configured to close in each inspiratory cycle, from when the FGS reservoir is emptied until the end of an inspiratory cycle to prevent inhalation of FGS during inhalation of SGS.

6. The breathing circuit of claim 5, wherein the first valve is controlled to allow FGS to flow to the subject during inspiration until the FGS reservoir has been emptied and then prevents FGS from flowing to the subject until the next inspiration begins.

7. The breathing circuits of claim 6, including a detector for detecting when SGS is being delivered to the patient, the flow control system using said detector to determine when to direct FGS to the FGS reservoir and prevent FGS from being delivered to the patient.

8. The breathing circuit of claim 7, wherein said detector is a pressure sensor.

9. The breathing circuit of claim 1, wherein the expiratory limb is operatively connected to an SGS reservoir configured for storing exhaled gas, the SGS reservoir including an exit port for exhaled gas.

10. The breathing circuit of claim 9, wherein the FGS reservoir and SGS reservoir are contained in a sealed container having respective openings for the inspiratory limb and the expiratory limb, the container also having an opening for connection to a ventilator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] FIG. 1 is a circle circuit for performing anesthesia as known in the art. The circuit is designed to efficiently deliver anesthetic gases to a patient. It does so by allowing the patient to rebreathe exhaled anesthetic gases but not CO.sub.2.

[0026] FIG. 1B a circle circuit for performing anesthesia for use with a mechanically ventilated patient, as known in the art. The circuit is designed to efficiently deliver anesthetic gases to a patient. It does so by allowing the patient to rebreathe exhaled anesthetic gases but not CO.sub.2.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a SGDB Circuit as taught by Fisher in U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,725.

[0028] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 wherein the reservoir bags are remote from the patient.

[0029] FIG. 3B is similar to FIG. 5 wherein the bypass limb, bypass valve, and passive expiratory valve are replaced by an active expiratory valve.

[0030] FIG. 3C is similar to FIG. 3B wherein an active valve has replaced the passive inspiratory valve.

[0031] FIG. 3D is similar to FIG. 2 wherein an active valve has been added to the inspiratory limb to prevent mixing of FGS with SGS during inhalation.

[0032] FIG. 3E is similar to FIG. 2 wherein an active valve has replaced the passive inspiratory valve.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a modification of any of the circuits shown in FIGS. 2, 3-3E, 5-5B for use with a mechanically ventilated patient.

[0034] FIG. 4B shows the preferred embodiment modified for use on ventilated patients.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a new circuit for use with spontaneous ventilation.

[0036] FIG. 5A is similar to FIG. 5 wherein an active valve has been added to the inspiratory limb to prevent mixing of FGS with SGS during inhalation.

[0037] FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5 wherein an active valve has replaced the passive inspiratory valve.

[0038] FIG. 5C shows a detail of a circuit design where the passive valves are surrounded by the exhaled gas reservoir.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a modification of the above circuits to include co-axially arranged inspiratory and expiratory limbs between the valves and the patient.

[0040] FIG. 6A shows the preferred embodiment of the cardiac output circuit where inspiratory and expiratory limbs are co-axially arranged with the circuit of FIG. 5A.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a new circuit designed to allow measurement of cardiac output while delivering anesthetics or removing volatile agents from a patient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Description of Circuit with Valves and Reservoirs Distal From Patient, and Precludes the Contamination of FGS with SGS Through Bypass Valve

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a breathing circuit which provides sequential delivery of the FGS followed by the SGS when {dot over (V)}.sub.E exceeds FGSF, with the manifold containing the valves and the FGS reservoir bag and the expiratory gas reservoir bag remote from the patient. This improvement reduces the bulk of the patient manifold, and eliminates the possibility of the SGS mixing with the FGS due to vigorous exhalation.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, Patient (38) breathes via a Y connector (40). Valve (31) is an inspiratory valve and valve (33) is an expiratory valve. Valve (35) is a bypass valve in the bypass limb (34) that bypasses the expiratory valve (33) and has an opening pressure greater than inspiratory valve (31). Valves (35, 33) may be close to or distal from the patient manifold as desired, as long as they are on the expiratory limb (39). However, in the preferred embodiment, they are distal to the patient to reduce the bulk of the patient manifold. Inspiratory valve (31) may be close to, or distal from, the patient manifold as desired, as long as it is on the inspiratory limb (32). In the preferred embodiment, it is distal to the patient as well. FGS enters the circuit via port (30).

Function:

[0045] During exhalation, increased pressure in the circuit closes inspiratory valve (31) and bypass valve (35). Gas is directed into the exhalation limb (39), past one-way valve (33) into the expiratory gas reservoir bag (36). Excess gas is vented via port (41) in expiratory gas reservoir bag (36). FGS enters via port (30) and fills FGS reservoir (37). During inhalation, inhalation valve (31) opens and FGS from the FGS reservoir (37) and FGS port (30) enter the inspiratory limb (32) and are delivered to the patient. If FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the FGS reservoir (37) empties before the end of the breath, and continued respiratory effort results in a further reduction in pressure in the circuit. When the opening pressure of the bypass valve (35) is reached, it opens and gas from the expiratory gas reservoir (36) passes into the expiratory limb (39) and makes up the balance of the breath with SGS.

[0046] Thus when FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the subject inhales FGS, then SGS, and no contamination of FGS occurs.

[0047] FIG. 3B shows an alternate embodiment of the circuit illustrated in FIG. 5 where the passive expiratory valve (33) and expiratory bypass limb (34), and expiratory limb bypass valve (35) are replaced with a control valve that is triggered by the collapse of the inspiratory reservoir. Referring to FIG. 3B, a control valve (401) is placed in the expiratory limb (16) anywhere along its length between the patient port (10) and the expiratory reservoir bag (18). When the patient's {dot over (V)}.sub.E exceeds the FGSF during inspiration the reservoir bag (20) collapses. This is detected by pressure sensing means (405) through port (406) as an acute reduction in pressure. Pressure sensing means (405) could be an electronic pressure transducer capable of detecting changes 2 cm H.sub.2O pressure, for example. Immediately afterwards, valve (401) is then opened by control means (403), which could be an electronic signal for activating a solenoid valve, for example, leading to depressurization and collapse of a balloon valve, as is known to those skilled in the art, resulting in SGS is being inhaled for the balance of inhalation. During exhalation, patient exhales through expiratory tube (16) past valve (401) into the SGS reservoir (18). At end of exhalation, as detected by pressure sensing means (405) as a reduction of pressure, valve (401) is closed by control means (403), which could be an electronic signal for toggling a solenoid valve, for example, leading to pressurization and inflation of a balloon valve, as is known to those skilled in the art.

Use of Control Valve in Inspiratory Limb to Prevent FGS Contaminating SGS

[0048] While the circuits of FIG. 5 and FIG. 3B present the advantages over the Fisher circuit of reducing the bulk of the patient manifold, and eliminating the possibility of the SGS mixing with the FGS due to vigorous exhalation, they still have the following drawback: When FGS reservoir (20, 37) is emptied and the patient is breathing SGS for the balance of an inspiration, the circuit does not deliver SGS alone but a mixture of SGS and FGS. The FGS continues to flow into the circuit and is drawn by inhalation past one-way inspiratory valve (31,3) and allows FGS gas to be inhaled from the inspiratory limb (32,14). To optimize the generation of data required to measure of cardiac output, it is necessary to redirect the FGS into the FGS reservoir (37,20) for the balance of inhalation after the initial collapse of the FGS reservoir. This would prevent mixing of FGS with SGS during the period of inhalation where the patient breathes SGS. This limitation of circuits illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 3B with respect to measuring cardiac output are shared with the Fisher circuit.

[0049] FIG. 3D shows an improved circuit that prevents contamination of the SGS by FGS when SGS is being delivered to the patient. Referring to FIG. 3D, FGS control valve (400) is added to the inspiratory limb (14) at some point between the FGS port (12) and the inspiratory valve (11). Pop-off valve (425) is connected to the inspiratory limb on the side of the FGS control valve (400) that is proximal to the inspiratory reservoir bag (425). During exhalation, gas passes from the patient port (10), through the expiratory one-way check valve (15) down the expiratory limb (16) into the expiratory reservoir bag (18). Excess gas exits the expiratory reservoir bag (18) at the opening (19) remote from the entrance. FGS enters the circuit at a constant flow via a fresh gas port (12). As the inspiratory one-way check valve (11) is closed during exhalation, the fresh gas accumulates in the fresh gas reservoir bag (20). During inhalation, FGS entering from the port (12) and the FGS reservoir (20) passes through the inspiratory valve (11) and enters the patient. If the FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the FGS reservoir bag (20) collapses, as detected by pressure sensing means (405) connected to pressure sensing port (406). FGS control valve (400) is closed via valve control means (403), and valve (17) in the bypass limb (13) opens, directing previously exhaled gas to the patient. When the FGS control valve (400) is closed, any FGSF entering the circuit during the balance of inspiration is directed only to the FGS reservoir bag (20) and not to the patient, who is receiving SGS for the balance of inspiration. FGS control valve (400) may be re-opened any time from the beginning of expiration to just before the next inspiration. FGS control valve (400) may be any type of valve, and is preferably an active valve such as a balloon valve, known to those skilled in the art, that can be controlled by automated means. The pop-off valve (425) opens when the reservoir bag (20) is full to prevent the reservoir bag (20) from overfilling.

[0050] The circuit illustrated in FIG. 5A is similar to that in FIG. 5 but has the addition of a FGS control valve (400), together with pressure sensing means (405) and port (406), and valve control means (403), added to the inspiratory limb of the circuit (32) distal to the one-way inspiratory valve (31) and proximal to the FGS inflow port (30). Similarly, a FGS control valve, together with pressure sensing means and port, and valve control means, may be added to the inspiratory limb (14) of the circuit illustrated in FIG. 3B positioned distal to the one-way inspiratory valve (31) and proximal to the FGS inflow port (12) to achieve the same result, namely, prevention of contamination of SGS by FGS when {dot over (V)}.sub.E exceeds FGSF and the FGSF reservoir bag is emptied.

FGS Control Valve Replacing Inspiratory Valve

[0051] We present two additional circuits that are configured by adding FGS control valve (400) together with pressure sensing means (405) and port (406), and valve control means (403), to the Fisher circuit and the circuit illustrated in FIG. 5 and removing the passive one way inspiratory valve (11, 31), as shown in FIGS. 3E and 5B respectively. These circuits function identically to those illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 5A with respect to complete separation of FGS and SGS during inhalation. In such a circuit, during inspiration, FGS control valve (400) is open until FGSF reservoir bag (20,37) is emptied, then it is closed so that any additional FGSF entering the circuit during the balance of inspiration is directed only to the reservoir bag (20) and not to the patient. As the patient continues to inspire, bypass valve (17,35) opens allowing the patient to inhale SGS for the balance of inspiration.

Use of Co-Axially Arranged Inspiratory and Expiratory Limbs

[0052] Another embodiment of each of the circuits whereby the valves can be remote from the patient without loss of sequential delivery of FGS and SGS, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 5, 3B, 5A, 5B, 3C, 4B, is the replacement of separate inspiratory limbs and expiratory limbs with co-axially arranged inspiratory and expiratory limbs as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6A shows the preferred embodiment of the invention: The circuit valves are configured as in the circuit illustrated in FIG. 5A with the improvement of co-axially arranged inspiratory (59) and expiratory (51) limbs. The limbs (51, 59) are co-axial so that one limb is contained within the other for some length of tubing, with the limbs separating at some point along its length, such that the expiratory limb (51) leads to the exhaled gas reservoir (54) and the inspiratory limb (59) leads to the FGS reservoir (56). This has two important advantages over the circuit of FIG. 5: [0053] 1. A single tube is connected to the patient interface making it easier to manage sick patients [0054] 2. The heat contained in the expiratory limb (51) warms the FGS entering through the inspiratory limb (59). [0055] 3. If the inner tube is of a material that allows moisture to pass through it but not gas, such as Nafion, will promote moisture exchange as well, so that FGS will become slightly moisturized and more comfortable for the patient to breathe if the SGS is moist.
It should be understood that co-axial tubing may be used with any of the SGDB circuits described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6A, Patient port (50) opens directly to the inspiratory limb (59) and expiratory limb (51) without a Y connector, where the limbs are arranged co-axially. Valve (31) is an inspiratory valve and valve (33) is an expiratory valve. Valve (35) is a bypass valve in the bypass limb (34) that bypasses the expiratory valve (33) and has an opening pressure greater than inspiratory valve (31). Valves (35, 33) are preferably distal from the patient on the expiratory limb (51) to reduce the bulk of the patient interface. Inspiratory valve (31) is also preferably distal from, the patient on the inspiratory limb (59). FGS enters the circuit via port (30). FGS control valve (400) is on the inspiratory limb (59) between port (30) and inspiratory valve (31). FGS reservoir bag (37) is connected to inspiratory limb (59) distal to the patient, past port (37). SGS reservoir bag (36) is distal to the patient on the expiratory limb (51) past expiratory valve (33) and bypass valve (35). Excess expiratory gas vents to the atmosphere via port (41). Pressure sensing means (405) is connected to pressure sensing port (406) which is connected to the patient port (50), and valve control means (403). Pressure sensing port (406) may be connected to the co-axial inspiratory (59) and expiratory limb arrangement (51) anywhere along its length between the inspiratory valve (31) and the patient port (50) or between the expiratory valve (33) and the patient. Pop-off valve (425) is connected to the inspiratory limb on the side of the FGS control valve (400) that is proximal to the inspiratory reservoir bag (425).

Function:

[0057] During exhalation, increased pressure in the circuit closes inspiratory valve (31) and bypass valve (35). Gas is directed into the exhalation limb (51), past one-way valve (33) into the expiratory gas reservoir bag (36). Excess gas is vented via port (41) in expiratory gas reservoir bag (36). FGS enters via port (30) and fills FGS reservoir (37). During inhalation, inhalation valve (31) opens and FGS from the FGS reservoir (37) and FGS port (30) enter the inspiratory limb (59) and are delivered to the patient. If FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the FGS reservoir (37) empties before the end of the breath, and continued respiratory effort results in a further reduction in pressure in the circuit. When the opening pressure of the bypass valve (35) is reached, it opens and gas from the expiratory gas reservoir (36) passes into the expiratory limb (39) and makes up the balance of the breath with SGS. The emptying of FGS reservoir bag (37) is detected by pressure sensing means (405) such as an electronic pressure transducer, known to those skilled in the art, connected to pressure sensing port (406), and FGS control valve (400) such as a balloon valve known to those skilled in the art, is closed via valve control means (403) such as access to gas pressure controlled by an electronically toggled solenoid valve known to those skilled in the art. When the FGS control valve (400) is closed, any additional FGSF entering the circuit during the balance of inspiration is directed only to the FGS reservoir bag (20) and not to the patient, who is inhaling only SGS for the balance of inspiration. FGS control valve (400) may be re-opened any time from the beginning of expiration, as sensed by the reverse of pressure by the pressure sensing means (405), to just before the next inspiration, also sensed by pressure changes in the breathing circuit. Pop-off valve (425) prevents the FGS reservoir bag (20) from overfilling when FGS exceeds {dot over (V)}.sub.E.

Thus when FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the subject inhales FGS, then SGS, and no contamination of SGS with FGS occurs.

Use of Circuits for Ventilated Patients

[0058] Any of the SGDB circuits disclosed herein as well as the Fisher circuit can be used for a patient under controlled ventilation by enclosing the FGS reservoir (20) and exhaled gas reservoir (18) within a rigid container (21) with exit ports for the inspiratory limb of the circuit (24) and expiratory limb of the circuit (25) and port for attachment to a patient interface of a ventilator (22) as illustrated in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the inspiratory limb (500) represents the inspiratory limb of any of the SGDB circuits herein described, and expiratory limb (501) corresponds to the expiratory limb of any of the SGDB circuits herein described. The FGS reservoir bag (20) and expiratory gas reservoir bag (18) are enclosed in a rigid air-tight container such that the inspiratory limb (500) enters the container via port (24) and expiratory limb (501) enters the container via port (25) such that the junctions of the outside of the limbs form an air-tight seal with the inside surface of the ports. A further port (22) is provided for attachment of the Y piece of any ventilator (23). Detachment from the ventilator allows the circuit to be used with a spontaneously breathing patient. During the inspiratory phase of the ventilator, the pressure inside the container (21) rises putting the contents of the FGS reservoir bag (20) and the expiratory gas reservoir bag (18) under the same pressure. Since the opening pressure of the inspiratory valve is less than that of the bypass valve for circuits using passive bypass valves (for example those shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 5B, 5A, 3E, and 3D), the FGS reservoir (20) will be emptied preferentially. When the FGS reservoir (20) is empty, the pressure in the container (21) and inside the expiratory gas reservoir (18) will open the bypass valve (35, 17, 206) and begin emptying exhaled gas reservoir (18) delivering SGS to the patient. For circuits using an actively engaged control valve (400) in the inspiratory limb of the circuit, a valve opening detection means (407) such as an electronic circuit that is broken by the opening of the valve when the valve is part of a closed electronic circuit, not shown, detects opening of the one way valve (35, 17, 206) in the exhalation bypass limb. The FGS control valve (400) is then closed, directing FGS into the FGS reservoir bag until the collapse of the FGS reservoir during the next inspiratory phase.

[0059] During the exhalation phase of the ventilator, the ventilator's expiratory valve is opened and contents of the container (21) are opened to atmospheric pressure, allowing the patient to exhale into the expiratory gas reservoir (18) and the FGS to flow into the FGS reservoir bag (20). Thus, the FGS and SGS are inhaled sequentially during inhalation with controlled ventilation without mixing of FGS with SGS at any time.

[0060] FIG. 4B shows the ventilator configuration described above as used with the preferred circuit shown in FIG. 6A. This is the preferred embodiment for ventilated patients.

[0061] The primary difference between the standard anesthetic circle circuit of the prior art (FIG. 1, 1B) and the circuits disclosed herein is that with the circuits disclosed herein, both a SGS reservoir (18) and a FGS reservoir (20) are in the rigid box. With the valve configurations disclosed herein, there will be sequential delivery of the FGS, then the SGS, when {dot over (V)}.sub.E exceeds the FGSF. This does not occur with the standard anesthetic circle circuit, even if the CO.sub.2 absorber is removed from the circuit.

Modification of Second Gas Set

[0062] FIG. 7 shows the preferred circuit for measuring cardiac output while maintaining the ability to modify the SGS. The circuit consists of the following components:

200 Patient port
201 Three-port connector
202 expiratory limb
203 expiratory valve
204 canister on bypass conduit that may be switched to be empty, contain CO.sub.2 absorbing crystals, zeolyte, charcoal or similar substance that filters
anesthetic agents, or hopcalite for filtering carbon monoxide
205 bypass conduit.
206 one-way bypass valve with opening pressure slightly greater than that of the inspiratory valve (219)
207 SGS reservoir bag
208 port in rigid container for entrance of expiratory limb of circuit in an air-tight manner
209 exit port for expired gas from expired gas reservoir
210 a 2-way manual valve that can be turned so that the gas in the rigid box (216) is continuous with either the ventilator Y piece (211) or the manual ventilation assembly consisting of ventilating bag (212) and APL valve (213)
211 the ventilator Y piece
212 the ventilation bag
213 APL valve
214 ventilation port in rigid box (216)
215 FGS reservoir
216 rigid box
217 port in rigid container for entrance of inspiratory limb of circuit (220) in an air-tight manner
218 FGS inlet port
219 inspiratory valve
220 inspiratory limb
221 bypass limb proximal to canister (204)
400 active FGS Control valve
403 valve control means
407 bypass valve opening sensing means

Function of the Circuit as an Anesthetic Circuit:

[0063] For spontaneous ventilation, 3-way valve (210) is open between rigid container (216) and manual ventilation assembly consisting of ventilation bag (212) and APL valve (213). When the patient exhales, increased pressure in the circuit closes inspiratory valve (219) and bypass valve (206). Exhaled gas is directed into the exhalation limb (202), past one-way valve (203) into the expiratory reservoir bag (207). FGS enters via port (218) and fills the FGS reservoir (215). During inhalation, inhalation valve (219) opens and FGS from the FGS reservoir (215) and FGS port (218) enter the inspiratory limb (220) and are delivered to patient. If FGSF is less than {dot over (V)}.sub.E, the FGS reservoir (215) empties before the end of the breath; continued respiratory effort results in a further reduction in pressure in the circuit. When the opening pressure of the bypass valve (206) is exceeded, it opens and gas from the expiratory gas reservoir (207) passes through the canister (204) into the rebreathing limb (221) and makes up the balance of the breath with SGS. The opening of bypass valve (206) is detected by valve opening sensing means (407) signals are sent to close FGS control valve (400) by activating valve control means (403). When the FGS control valve (400) is closed, any additional FGSF entering the circuit during the balance of inspiration is directed only to the FGS reservoir bag (215) and not to the patient. When valve (400) is closed patient receives only SGS for the balance of inspiration. FGS control valve (400) may be re-opened any time from the beginning of expiration to just before the next inspiration. Phase of ventilation is sensed by sensor (407).

[0064] For the purposes of functioning as an anesthetic delivery circuit, part of the FGS entering the circuit would be the anesthetic vapor, for example Desflurane, and the canister (204) would contain CO.sub.2 absorbent material. The SGS passes through the canister (204) but still contains expired O.sub.2 and anesthetic, which can both be safely rebreathed by the patient. In this respect, the circuit in FIG. 7 functions like a circle anesthetic circuit in which the FGSF containing O.sub.2 and anesthetic can be reduced to match the consumption or absorption by the patient. However, by bypassing the canister (204), the circuit can be used for measuring cardiac output.

[0065] If the canister (204) is filled with hopcalite it can be used to remove carbon monoxide from the patient, since the SGS still contains expired O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2. If the canister (204) is filled with zeolite it can be used to remove volatile agents such as anesthetics from the patient.

Advantages of Circuit Over Previous Art:

[0066] 1) It is comparable to the circle anesthesia circuit with respect to efficiency of delivery of anesthesia, and ability to conduct anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation as well as controlled ventilation.
2) It is often important to measure tidal volume and {dot over (V)}.sub.E during anesthesia. With a circle circuit, a pneumotach with attached tubing and cables must be placed at the patient interface, increasing the dead-space, bulk and clutter at the head of the patient. With our circuit, the pneumotachograph (or a spirometer if the patient is breathing spontaneously) can be placed at port (214) and thus remote from the patient.
3) Sasano (Anesth Analg 2001; 93(5); 1188-1191) taught a circuit that can be used to accelerate the elimination of anesthesia. However that circuit required additional devices such as an external source of gas (reserve gas), a demand regulator, self-inflating bag or other manual ventilating device, 3-way stopcock and additional tubing. Furthermore, Sasano did not disclose a method whereby mechanical ventilation can be used. In fact it appears that it cannot be used-patients must be ventilated by hand for that method. With the apparatys and method disclosed herein, there is no requirement for an additional external source of gas or demand regulator;
4) the patient can be ventilated with the ventilation bag (212) already on the circuit or the circuit ventilator, or any ventilator; no other tubing or devices are required.
5) Circle circuits cannot deliver FGS and then SGS sequentially. Such control is required to make physiological measurements such as cardiac output during anesthesia.

[0067] With the circuit of FIG. 7, if the canister (204) is bypassed, the circuit becomes the equivalent of the one described in FIG. 5 with the addition of the ventilator apparatus shown in FIG. 4. With the circuit of FIG. 7, box (216) could be opened to atmosphere instead of connected to a ventilator, and the circuit could be used with spontaneously breathing patients for measuring cardiac output while modifying SGS.

[0068] It should be recognized to those skilled in the art that various embodiments of the invention disclosed in this patent application are possible without departing from the scope including, but not limited to:

a) using multiple inspiratory and expiratory limbs in combination provided that: [0069] i. the inspiratory and expiratory limbs are kept separate except at a single point prior to reaching the patient where they are joined [0070] ii. each limb has the corresponding valves as in the arrangement above, and [0071] iii. the valves have the same relative pressures so as to keep the inspired gas delivery sequential as discussed above.
b) using active valves, for example electronic, solenoid, or balloon valves, instead of passive valves, provided said valves are capable of occluding the limbs, and means is provided for triggering and controlling said active valves. The advantage of active valves is more precise control. The disadvantage is that they are more costly.
c) replacing reservoir bags with extended tubes or other means for holding gases
d) surrounding valves in exhalation limb and/or in the inspiratory limb of circuit with the exhaled gas reservoir causing them to be surrounded by warm exhaled air and prevent freezing and sticking of valves in cold environments.
e) Changing the composition of FGS and SGS to change alveolar concentrations of gases other than CO.sub.2, for example O.sub.2. By analogy to CO.sub.2, with respect to O.sub.2: alveolar PO.sub.2 is determined by FGS flow and the PO.sub.2 of FGS. When PO.sub.2 of SGS is the same as the PO.sub.2 in the alveoli, inhaling SGS does not change flux of O.sub.2 in the alveoli. Therefore, those skilled in the art can arrange the partial pressure of component gases in FGS and SGS and the flows of FGS such that they can achieve any alveolar concentration of component gases independent of {dot over (V)}.sub.E, as long as {dot over (V)}.sub.E exceeds sufficiently flow of FGS.

[0072] As many changes can be made to the various embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope thereof; it is intended that all matter contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention but not in a limiting sense.