1. What kind of ventilators can I use together with AnaConDa?
AnaConDa can be used with almost any kind of ventilator except high frequency ventilators which are not tested together with AnaConDa.

2. How long can I use the AnaConDa?
AnaConDa is a disposable product and need to be replaced every 24 hours to avoid the risk of occlusion and/or bacterial growth.

3. Can we use N2O in the gas mixture with the AnaConDa?
Yes, you can use N₂O in mixtures with Sevoflurane or Isoflurane but the AnaConDa will not reduce the consumption of N₂O as the conserving medium used in the AnaConDa does not absorb it.

4. What type of Syringe pumps shall I use?
The syringe pump shall be intended for dosing pharmaceutical drugs in humans and be able to use the Sherwood or Becton Dickinson Plastipack 50 ml syringes. AnaConDa 50 ml syringe has about the same dimensions as these syringes.

5. Which anaesthetic agents can I use with AnaConDa?
You can use isoflurane and sevoflurane. Other agents may interact in a harmful way with the AnaConDa.

6. Can I use AnaConDa in paediatric patients?
The dead space is the limitation. The dead space is approximately 100ml in the AnaConDa, because of this we do not recommend to use Anaconda at tidal volumes < 350 ml.

7. Can I use other types of 50 ml syringes to AnaConDa?
No. The AnaConDa Syringe in the package is tested and validated with isoflurane and sevoflurane. The filled syringe can be stored up to 7 days.

8. What is a MAC value?
MAC is measured at equilibrium. The minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) is the alveolar concentration of an inhaled anesthetic at one atmosphere that prevents skeletal muscle movement in response to a noxious stimulus in 50% of patients. MAC represents a relative measure of depth of anesthesia. It can be used to compare inhaled anesthetics and is a useful index of anesthetic potency. Approximately 1.3 MAC prevents skeletal muscle movement in nearly all patients during surgery.

9. Can I connect a nebulizer to the AnaConDa?
Yes, Ultrasonic nebulizers are preferable, as these do not add extra gas flow into the circle that might reduce the anaesthetic concentration delivered to the patient. The nebulizer must be placed in between the AnaConDa and the patient. Repeated nebulization may increase the flow resistance of the AnaConDa; pay attention to the breathing pressures and signs of occlusion. Make sure the AnaConDa is replaced every 24 hours or when needed.

10. What happens if I position the AnaConDa with the gas samplings port downwards?
You increase the risk of getting condensate in the gas sampling line that can disturb the measuring of the gas and give wrong readings.

11. Why can I not use Desflurane with AnaConDa?
Desflurane has a low boiling point and can boil in the agent line and potentially give uncontrolled delivery of gas to the patient.

12. What type of gas samplings tube shall I use?
Always refer to the gas monitor manual which type to use. If you connect wrong type or length you might get wrong readings.

13. Why do I see higher expiratory values of the anaesthetic agent than inspiratory?
It is of course so that the inspiratory value is the highest also for AnaConDa but because of the high efficiency conserving medium it only represents a short peak from emptying the conserving medium during inspiration. After that the concentration decreases to its lowest point which is at the end of inspiration. Many monitors show a Fi value, which is measured, at the end of inspiration, thus showing a low value when using AnaConDa. The expiratory values are measured at the end of expiration, which gives a true value of alveolar concentration independent if the value is measured using AnaConDa or an anaesthesia system.

14. Can I use pressure support ventilation when I use AnaConDa?
Yes, but you need to follow the values on the gas monitor carefully in case of rapid changes. Normal fluctuations during pressure support ventilation do not change the gas concentration in a significant way.

15. Is there a risk of getting anaesthetic agent in liquid form when using the AnaConDa?
No, the high capacity miniature vaporizer is made of a plastic material with a big porous surface. The surface in the miniature vaporizer is 10 fold bigger than necessary to evaporate any liquid anaesthetic at a flow rate clinically used.

16. Can I use the same syringe if I need more anaesthetic agent using AnaConDa?
No, you need to take a new syringe to avoid syringe failures. AnaConDa Syringes are available separately.

17. Can I temporary stop using AnaConDa e.g. for moving the patient?
Yes, disconnect AnaConDa from Y-piece first and then the ET-tube. Stop the syringe pump and disconnect the gas monitor. Close the AnaConDa and gas monitor port. It is vitally important to disconnect the gas monitor since it draws about 150-200 ml/min of gas. When it is time to connect the patient again follow the instructions for use.

18. What is the easiest way of performing suctioning?
It is preferable to use a close suction system or a swivel adaptor with suction port. If disconnecting AnaConDa during suctioning, hold an expiratory pause during the procedure.

19. What is the environment exposure of using anaesthetic agents?
Every single Anaconda is leak tested after manufacturing. Environmental studies have shown no or low concentrations of agents in the environment around the patient and well below international recommendations (varies from 10-50 ppm) for long time exposure. Concentrations measured around the patient in an ICU setting showed values <0.5 ppm.