An automatic mechanical device designed to provide all or part of the work the body must produce to move gas into and out of the lungs for patients who are unable to breathe (e.g. during general anesthesia) or have difficulty breathing. During general anesthesia, a tube is placed in the patient's windpipe (process called intubation) and connected to the ventilator to supply air to the lungs. In an anesthesia circuit the bag/bellows on the ventilator are used to determine the size/pressure and rate of breaths and can easily be adjusted depending on patient status. ►click here to watch About.com health video about how the lungs work►click here to learn about anesthesia monitoring at the Veterinary Neurological Center. (If necessary, enlarge new window by dragging bottom right corner.)
An automatic mechanical device designed to provide all or part of the work the body must produce to move gas into and out of the lungs for patients who are unable to breathe (e.g. during general anesthesia) or have difficulty breathing. During general anesthesia, a tube is placed in the patient's windpipe (process called intubation) and connected to the ventilator to supply air to the lungs. In an anesthesia circuit the bag/bellows on the ventilator are used to determine the size/pressure and rate of breaths and can easily be adjusted depending on patient status.
