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The provision of supplementary oxygen via the laryngeal mask airway used in the recovery room is important for patient safety. Several devices have been described for this purpose, but these studies have not included an accurate measurement of the most clinically important variable, the end-tidal oxygen concentration. We constructed an artificial model of spontaneous ventilation to compare the efficacy and safety of four devices; a circuit filter, a Hudson mask, the ‘T-bag’ device and a T-piece. We combined the use of oximetry with a pneumotachograph to provide a continuous picture of the oxygen delivery characteristics of the devices at flow rates of 2, 4 and 8 l.min-1. The performances of the T-bag and the T-piece were superior to those of the filter and Hudson mask, with end-tidal oxygen concentrations of 46.1%, 45.8% and 35.4%, 34.8%, respectively, at 8 l.min-1. Single point assessments of oxygen delivery, such as peak inspired oxygen concentration, may overestimate the efficacy of test devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replies to a comment published in the periodical 'Anaesthesia' about a defect in oxygen therapy tubing. Causes of the defect; Occlusion of gas flow resulting from the defect; Prevention of complications due to the defect.

Describes a problem related to the Intersurgical tubing of an oxygen therapy equipment. Causes of occlusion in the tubing; Potential damages caused by the defect.

The article discusses the importance of monitoring oxygen tubing and wires for anesthetists by referring to a case where a patient trolley during transfer for computerized tomography ran-over and sheared the compressed gas hose connecting a size E oxygen cylinder.

Comments on the standards in connector design for oxygen therapy tubing. Presentation of the standards; Economic consideration of the design; Absence of dimensions in specification of the standards for the connectors; Advantages from the misuse of tubing connector.

The article describes an event that involved the use of medical air and oxygen gas cylinders in a community hospital. Particular focus is given to the key components of these cylinders. The accidental switching of pressure regulators for the two cylinders, possibility of a hypoxic gas mixture due to the error, and strategies for preventing this kind of error are discussed.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article by F. E. Kelly and colleagues on fire on an intensive care unit due to an oxygen cylinder.

Comments on a report about a reinforced laryngeal mask airway severed by biting. Suggested guidelines to prevent a similar problem from happening again; Recommended safety practices when using such medical device.