Inhalational induction is often practised for paediatric patients and Mapleson F breathing systems provide a low dead space and low resistance system that can be used for patients with a tidal volume less than 300ml.
The products are provided with an open tail reservoir bag which provides low resistance during spontaneously breathing and can be manipulated to provide positive pressure ventilation, whilst providing immediate tactile feedback of lung compliance and airway resistance.
One disadvantage of the open tail reservoir bag is that it makes it difficult to scavenge expire inhalational anaesthetic agents, Intersurgical do offer modified configurations which includes a paediatric APL valve, allowing the safe connection to the hospital active gas scavenging system (AGSS).
