Mapleson's A and D are the most efficient semiclosed nonabsorbing circuits used for spontaneous and controlled ventilation. A new device, the Multicircuit System, allows single-lever selection of Mapleson A or D functions, when used with the conventional two hoses or Mera F coaxial circuit attached. In the A mode, in a study performed on awake volunteers, the Multicircuit System with two hoses performed comparably to the Magill attachment. When coupled with the Mera F circuit as a coaxial system, the Multicircuit System was less efficient than the Magill, and had a resistance to expiration exceeding 2cm H2O pressure at a gas flow of 30 l/minute.
HumphreyD.A new anaesthetic breathing system combining Mapleson A, D and E principles. Anaesthesia1983; 38: 361–372.
3.
MaplesonW.W.The elimination of rebreathing in various anaesthetic systems. Br J Anaesth1954; 26: 323–332.
4.
KainM.L., NunnJ.F.Fresh gas economics of the Magill circuit. Anesthesiology1968; 29: 964–974.
5.
HumphreyD.The Lack, Magill and Bain anaesthetic breathing systems: a direct comparison in spontaneously breathing anaesthetised adults. J Roy Soc Med1982; 75: 513–524.
6.
SpoerelW.E., AitkenR.R., BainJ.A.Spontaneous respiration with the Bain breathing circuit. Can Anaesth Soc J1978; 25: 30–35.
7.
ConwayC.M., SeeleyH.F., BarnesP.K.Spontaneous ventilation with the Bain anaesthetic system. Br J Anaesth1977; 49: 1245–1249.
8.
ByrickR.J.Respiratory compensation during spontaneous ventilation with the Bain circuit. Can Anaesth Soc J1980; 27: 96–105.
9.
NottM.R., WaltersF.J.M., NormanJ.The Lack and Bain systems in spontaneous respiration. Anaesth Intens Care1982; 10: 333–339.
10.
HenvilleJ.D., AdamsA.P.The Bain anaesthetic system: an assessment during controlled ventilation. Anaesthesia1976; 31: 247–56.
