Mapelson - knowledge still needed

Drs. Kofke and Scott faced a challenge, an intubated intensive care patient required an MRI.  The MRI compatible ventilator was broken.  Instead of cancelling the case, Dr Kofke set up a Mapelson F circuit that allowed the patient to be manually ventilated from the foot of the MRI table.  The jury-rigged system worked well and justified once again the need for knowing about Mapelson circuit design.

   

An excellent review of Mapelson circuit design can be found at Anesthesia Breathing Systems by Professor MR Shankar and BS Shanker M.D.

Dr. WA Kofke is Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Director of Neurosurgical Anesthesia at UPENN

Benjamin Scott M.D. is an anesthesia resident at UPENN