A mechanical model to simulate uptake and elimination of inhalation anesthetics

Using olive oil to simulate body tissues, a mechanical model of uptake and elimination of inhalation anesthetics was developed. Body tissues were grouped according to anesthetic solubility and blood perfusion, and modeled with equivalent oil volumes. Changes in cardiac output were simulated by varying gas flows through the oil chambers. Alveolar ventilation was augmented by adjusting the minute ventilation setting of the ventilator. During 64 minutes of uptake and washout, the mechanical model end-tidal halothane concentration remained within 0.07 vol.% of a computer simulation. The model may prove useful in developing and testing anesthesia equipment without the need for animal experiments or human volunteers.<>