ANAESTHETIC MACHINE Meaning and
Definition
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An anaesthetic machine, also known as an anesthesia machine, is a device used in medical settings to deliver anaesthesia to patients undergoing various surgical procedures or diagnostic tests. It serves as a sophisticated apparatus that ensures the safe and precise administration of anaesthetic agents, gases, and oxygen during the induction, maintenance, and recovery phases.
Typically, an anaesthetic machine consists of several key components. These include a gas supply system that provides medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air. It also incorporates a vaporizer, which mixes the appropriate amount of volatile anaesthetic agent with oxygen or other carrier gases to produce a controlled concentration of anaesthesia. The machine features a breathing system, comprising of tubes and valves, that connects the patient to the gas supply and facilitates the delivery of anaesthetic agents to the patient's lungs while removing exhaled gases.
Furthermore, an anaesthetic machine is equipped with safety mechanisms and monitoring devices, ensuring the continuous assessment of vital parameters like respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. These safety features include pressure relief valves, gas alarms, and oxygen failure protection systems that help prevent potential hazards during anaesthesia administration.
The anaesthetic machine is managed and operated by skilled anaesthesiologists or trained professionals to monitor the patient's condition throughout the procedure. Its primary goal is to provide a controlled, precise, and safe delivery of anaesthesia, maximizing patient comfort while maintaining essential physiological parameters.
Etymology of ANAESTHETIC MACHINE
The word "anaesthetic" is derived from the Greek word "anaisthēsis", which means "insensibility" or "without feeling". It is a combination of the prefix "an-" (meaning "without" or "not") and "aisthēsis" (meaning "perception" or "feeling").
The term "anaesthetic machine" refers to a device used in medicine to administer anesthetic agents. The word "machine" is derived from the Latin word "machina", which means "contrivance" or "engine". It ultimately comes from the Greek word "mēkhanē", which refers to a "tool" or "device".
Therefore, the etymology of the expression "anaesthetic machine" combines the Greek root "anaisthēsis", meaning "without feeling", with the Latin word "machina", indicating "device" or "engine".
