Library resource guides: COVID-19 resources: Equipment &amp; tech

Guide index

Use of anaesthesia machines as long term ICU ventilators

With the potential need to look after ICU patients in operating theatres has come the question of using anaesthesia machines to ventilate patients long-term. There are significant issues with this, but a number of manufacturers are offering advice about “off label” use of their machines for such a purpose.

APSF/ASA Guidance on Purposing Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators
These documents are intended to provide guidance on using anesthesia ventilators safely and effectively as ICU ventilators.
- APSF/ASA Guidance on Purposing Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators
- Quick Reference: Setup, Maintenance and Monitoring Instructions – Anesthesia Machine as an ICU Ventilator
APSF: FAQ on anesthesia machine-use, protection and decontamination during-the COVID-19 pandemic
The FAQ information is intended to provide the best guidance possible for safe practices during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Dräger FAQ
It is technically possible to perform long-term ventilation with an anaesthesia machine as an alternative ventilator when existing ventilators are fully utilized and there is no other ventilator option.
- Customer Letter: COVID-19: Usage of Dräger anaesthesia devices for long-term ventilation
- Check list for usage of anaesthesia devices for long-term ventilation
GE Healthcare Ventilator FAQ
GE Healthcare have posted the GE Healthcare guidance online and are currently working on accompanying education and support materials.
- Topic: COVID-19 - Requests for information regarding the off-label use of GE Healthcare
anesthesia devices for ICU ventilation
- GE Healthcare COVID-19 Resources
Mindray: COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Related Anesthesia Resources:
- Mindray A-Series Anesthesia Delivery System: Consideration for use as a Ventilator
- A-Series Anesthesia System: Consideration for use as a Ventilator Addendum – Procedures for Converting Drive Gas from Oxygen to Air

Global development: COVID-19

Oxygen Therapy with Limited Resources: COVID-19 Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Pneumonia
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and pneumonia will be the primary cause of mortality and morbidity with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

An Oxygen Therapy and Wall Chart document has been prepared which distils the World Health Organization technical document WHO-2019-nCoV-clinical-2020.4-eng for management of SARI and pneumonia.

The chart has been specifically designed for low resource environments where ventilators may not be available.