Mapleson classification of breathing system
Breathing system refers to the components that connect the airway of the patient to the anaesthesia machine. This machine is used to dispense a controlled composition of a gas mixture to the patient and allows controlled, spontaneous or assisted respiration. Thus, it delivers the gas to the patient, removes the expired gas and also controls the humidity and temperature of the mixture that is to be dispensed. It can also provide ports for airway pressure, gas sampling, volume and flow monitoring. Mapleson was able to analyse five different arrangements of the components, known as the Mapleson system. This consists of fresh gas flow, a breathing tube, a mask, a reservoir bag and an expiratory valve. These were designated from A to E and the system F was added later on by Wills et al. The characteristics of an ideal breathing system include simplicity, safety and a reasonable cost. It should be able to deliver the intended inspired gas mixture and permit controlled, spontaneous...