Reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter
A reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system using activated charcoal in the anesthesia circuit addresses prolonged wake-up times by efficiently adsorbing isoflurane, providing cost-effective and rapid patient awakening in various healthcare settings.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/017666
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-29
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-04
AI Technical Summary
Prolonged wake-up times for surgical patients under anesthesia due to the use of isoflurane, an older-generation anesthetic gas with higher solubility, are not effectively addressed by existing disposable charcoal filters, which are costly and not suitable for resource-limited settings.
A reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system using a container with activated charcoal that can be easily replaced and cleaned, integrated into the anesthesia circuit to adsorb isoflurane and other gases, ensuring efficient gas removal and patient awakening.
The system expedites patient awakening by effectively adsorbing anesthetic gases, offering cost savings and accessibility in both low-resource and higher-income settings through its reusability and affordability.
Smart Images

Figure US2025017666_04092025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
REUSABLE ANESTHETIC GAS NEUTRALIZATION FILTERField of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filters.Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 559,785 filed February 29, 2024, and titled “Reusable Anesthetic Gas Neutralization Filter”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.Background
[0003] There can be a problem with prolonged wake up times for surgical patients under anesthesia. Investigation of the issue found that reliance on isoflurane, an older-generation anesthetic gas which has greater solubility when compared to newer generation anesthetic agents, was contributing to this phenomenon. Activated charcoal, a chelating and adsorbing agent across different medical uses, could assist in the adsorption of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane (as well as other anesthesia gases), and subsequent expedited awakening in patients.Summary
[0004] In accordance with some embodiments, there is a system comprising an anesthesia machine, an inspiratory tube having a first end removably coupled to the anesthesia machine, an expiratory tube, and a connecting tube, wherein a first end of the connecting tube is removably coupled to the anesthesia machine, a second end of the connecting tube is removably coupled to a container configured to contain a layer of activated charcoal, and a first end of the expiratory tube is removably coupled to a container configured to contain a layer of activated charcoal.
[0005] In some implementations, a second end of the expiratory tube and a second end of the inspiratory tube are removably couplable to an endotracheal tube. In certain implementations, the first end of the expiratory tube is disposed within an interior cavity of the container configured to contain the layer of the activated charcoal. In further implementations, the layer of the activated charcoal comprises a depth, and the first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend into thelayer of the activated charcoal to between seventy percent of the depth of the layer and ninety five percent of the depth of the layer.
[0006] In some implementations, the container containing the layer of the activated charcoal is configured with a divider to divide the interior cavity of the container into a first cavity of the container and a second cavity of the container, and wherein the layer of the activated charcoal is disposed in the first cavity of the container. In further implementations, the first cavity of the container comprises between twenty five percent of the interior cavity of the container and thirty five percent of the interior cavity of the container. In certain implementations, the layer of the activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters between three millimeters and one centimeter. In some implementations, the container comprises a height, and wherein a depth of the layer of the activated charcoal is between seventy percent of the height of the container and eighty percent of the height of the container. In further implementations, the first end of the expiratory tube comprises a first polarity and the second end of the connecting tube comprises a second polarity, which is opposite the first polarity. In certain implementations, a first grommet is configured to removably couple the first end of the expiratory tube to the container, and wherein a second grommet is configured to removably couple the second end of the connecting tube to the container. In some implementations, a filter is disposed along the connecting tube.
[0007] In some implementations, the container comprises a lid, and the first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend through a first hole in the lid, and the second end of the connecting tube is configured to extend through a second hole in the lid. In certain implementations, the first hole in the lid and the second hole in the lid are spaced apart by between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches apart along a diagonal of the lid.
[0008] In accordance with some embodiments, a method comprises acquiring a container having a lid, the container comprising an interior cavity, creating two holes in the lid of the container, applying a respective grommet to the two holes in the lid of the container, affixing a divider to the container, placing an expiratory tube in a first hole of the two holes in the lid of the container; and placing a connecting tube in a second hole of the two holes in the lid of the container.
[0009] In some implementations, the method further comprises coupling the connecting tube to an anesthesia machine; and coupling a first end of an inspiratory tube to the anesthesia machine. In further implementations, the method the divider is configured to divide the interior cavity of the container into a first cavity of the container and a second cavity of the container, and wherein themethod further comprises placing a layer of activated charcoal in the first cavity of the container. In certain implementations, the layer of activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters between three millimeters and one centimeter.
[0010] In some implementations, the first cavity of the container comprises between twenty five percent of the interior cavity of the container and thirty five percent of the interior cavity of the container. In certain implementations, the container comprises a height, and a depth of the layer of activated charcoal is between seventy percent of the height of the container and eighty percent of the height of the container. In further implementations, the layer of activated charcoal comprises a depth, and a first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend into the layer of the activated charcoal to between seventy percent of the depth of the layer and ninety five percent of the depth of the layer. In some implementations, the method further comprises disposing a filter along the connecting tube. In certain implementations, the method further comprises removably coupling the expiratory tube to the container using a first grommet and removably coupling the connecting tube to the container using a second grommet.
[0011] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system in accordance with some embodiments described herein;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a container having a divider for use in a reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system in accordance with some embodiments described herein; and
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a process for manufacturing a reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system in accordance with some embodiments described herein.Detailed Description
[0005] In some developed countries, a single-use, disposable filter containing activated charcoal is used for in the anesthesia circuit during episodes of malignant hyperthermia (a rare reaction that can develop in response to inhaled anesthetic). These filters, in addition to being single-use, carry a significant financial cost, meaning they are used sparingly, and are not an option for use in some clinical settings where cost is a paramount concern.
[0006] Described herein is a reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system and related methods for use in an anesthesia circuit. The reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system described herein comprises a container that holds activated charcoal. The activated charcoal within the container removes anesthetic gases from air flowing through an anesthesia circuit. As the efficacy of the activated charcoal decreases over time (due to the activated charcoal successfully adsorbing gases from the anesthesia circuit), the activated charcoal can be removed from the container and replaced with fresh activated charcoal. The system may be optionally cleaned after used activated charcoal is removed, and prior to placing in the container new activated charcoal. This easy replacement of the activated charcoal and cleaning of the container renders the systems described herein configured for easy reuse.
[0007] The systems and methods described herein may be used in resource limited settings (e.g., in lesser developed, third-world, or developing countries) as a cost-effective alternative to existing technology. The systems and methods described herein are effective at expediting awakening in patients from inhaled anesthetic such as isoflurane.
[0008] The cost-savings and reusability offered by the systems and methods described herein may improve accessibility in low-resource settings (e.g., third-world or developing countries) and may offer the potential to save costs in higher-income, such as first- world countries as well.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates anesthesia circuit 100. The anesthesia circuit 100 of FIG. 1 comprises an anesthesia machine 116, an inspiratory tube 110, an expiratory tube 108, and a connecting tube 118. The anesthesia machine 116 comprises a ventilator and gases (e.g., oxygen, isoflurane, etc.) for delivery to the patient 150 via the inspiratory tube 110.
[0010] The inspiratory tube 110 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the inspiratory tube 110 is removably coupled to the anesthesia machine 116. The expiratory tube 108 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of expiratory tube 108 is removably coupled to the container 112. The connecting tube 118 comprises a first end and a second end. The firstend of the connecting tube 118 is removably coupled to the anesthesia machine 116. The second end of the connecting tube 118 is removably coupled to a container 112.
[0011] The second end of the inspiratory tube 110 and the second end of the expiratory tube 108 are configured to be removably couplable to an endotracheal tube 104. The endotracheal tube 104 may be disposed in the airway of the patient 150 during, for example, a procedure in which the patient 150 is under anesthesia. Gases can enter the anesthesia circuit 100 after being exhaled by the patient 150. The connecting tube 118 is configured to provide an airflow pathway between the container 112 and the anesthesia machine 116. Gases (e.g., air) can enter the anesthesia circuit 100 via the expiratory tube 108, flow through the container 112, into the connecting tube 118, and through the anesthesia machine 116 to the inspiratory tube 110.
[0012] The container 112 is configured to contain a layer 114 of activated charcoal. The container 112 configured to contain the layer 114 of activated charcoal may comprise an interior cavity that can be covered or sealed with a lid 119. During manufacturing of the anesthesia circuit 100, two holes (e.g., opening, inlet, etc.) may be formed in the lid 119. For example, a first hole 121 and a second hole 123 may be formed in the lid 119 of the container 112. In some implementations, the lid 119 is affixed to the container 112 via at least a first hinge. In some implementations, two hinges may be used to affix the lid 119 to the container 112. In some implementations, the container 112 is a readily commercially available, off-the-shelf container such that a person (e.g., physician or nurse) assembling the container 112 need not employ a high- complexity manufacturing process, such as 3D printing.
[0013] The two holes formed in the lid 119 of the container 112 may be configured to receive a respective tube to permit the inflow of air into and the outflow of air from the container 112. For example, a first hole 121 having a diameter of between about 0.5 inches and about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.75 inches) may be formed in the lid 119 of the container 112. The first hole 121 may be configured to receive a first end of the expiratory tube 108.
[0014] A first grommet may be configured to removably couple the first end of the expiratory tube 108 to the container 112. In some implementations, the first grommet is configured to provide an airtight seal between the expiratory tube 108 and the container 112.
[0015] The first grommet may have a diameter of between about 0.5 inches and about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.75 inches). Gases (e.g., air, isoflurane-contaminated air, sevoflurane-contaminatedair, desflurane-contaminated air) may thus be permitted to travel into the container 112 from the patient 150 via the expiratory tube 108.
[0016] As an additional example, a second hole 123 having a diameter of between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches (e.g., about one inch) may be formed in the lid 119 of the container 112. The second hole 123 may be configured to receive the connecting tube 118.
[0017] A second grommet may be configured to removably couple the second end of the connecting tube 118 to the container 112. In some implementations, the second grommet is configured to provide an airtight seal between the connecting tube 118 and the container 112.
[0018] The second grommet may have a diameter of between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches (e.g., about one inch). Gases (e.g., isoflurane-contaminated air that has had a portion of the isoflurane removed therefrom by adsorption by the layer 114 of activated charcoal) may thus be permitted to travel from the container 112 to the anesthesia machine 116.
[0019] In some implementations, the first end of the expiratory tube 108 may comprise a first polarity. In certain implementations, the second end of the connecting tube 118 may comprise a second polarity. The first polarity may, for example, comprise a male anesthesia connector. The second polarity may comprise, for example, a female anesthesia connector. In certain implementations, the first polarity is opposite the second polarity.
[0020] In some implementations, the first hole 121 and the second hole 123 are formed in the lid 119 of the container 112 such that there is enough space between the first hole 121 and the second hole 123 to preserve the integrity of the lid 119 (e.g., so that the lid 119 does not cave it after the first hole 121 and the second hole 123 are formed therein). In some implementations, the lid 119 of the container 112 may comprise a square, and the first hole 121 and the second hole 123 may be placed between about 1.5 inches apart and about 2.5 inches apart along a diagonal of the square. In further implementations, the first hole 121 and the second hole 123 may be placed between about 1.5 inches apart and about 2.5 inches apart along a diagonal of the lid.
[0021] The layer 114 of activated charcoal disposed within the container 112 comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal. The plurality of pieces of activated charcoal may have radii between about 0.2 inches and about 4 inches. The radii of the plurality of pieces of activated charcoal may be selected such that the layer 114 of activated charcoal presents sufficient surface area for the adsorption of anesthesia gas (including isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane) that enters the container 112 from the expiratory tube 108. The container 112 may comprise a lid suchthat the ability to open the container allows for replacement of the layer 114 of activated charcoal, as well as any needed cleaning or maintenance between uses of the anesthesia circuit 100.
[0022] The first end of the expiratory tube 108 is configured to be disposed within an interior cavity of the container 112 containing the layer 114 of activated charcoal. To ensure that the adsorption of isoflurane by the layer 114 of activated charcoal in the container 112 is maximized, the first end of the expiratory tube 108 is configured to extend into the layer 114 of activated charcoal. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the layer 114 may comprise a depth d. The first end of the expiratory tube 108 may be configured to extend into the layer 114 of activated charcoal between about seventy percent of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated and between about one hundred percent of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated charcoal. In some implementations, the first end of the expiratory tube 108 may be configured to extend into the layer 114 of activated charcoal between about seventy five percent of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated and between about ninety percent of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated charcoal.
[0023] The extent to which the first end of the expiratory tube 108 extends into the layer 114 of activated charcoal may be selected based on the size (e.g., the granularity) of the plurality of pieces of activated charcoal to maximize adsorption of isoflurane by the layer 114 of activated charcoal. The granularity of the activated charcoal in the layer 114 of activated charcoal may be selected so that the pieces in the layer 114 are small enough and provide sufficient surface area to ensure sufficient adsorption of anesthesia gases while being large enough to prevent the entrainment of fine charcoal particles into the connecting tube 118. In some implementations, the layer 114 of activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters between about three millimeters and about one centimeter. In certain implementations, the layer 114 of activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters of about 7.5 millimeters.
[0024] The depth of the layer 114 of activated charcoal may comprise, for example, between about seventy percent of the height of the container 112 and about eighty percent of the height of the container 112. In some implementations, the depth d of the layer 114 of activated charcoal may comprise about seventy five percent of a height of the container 112. Airflow through the container 112 can be facilitated by ensuring that a percentage of the height h of the container 112 is not occupied by the layer 114.
[0025] At the end of a procedure, air breathed by the patient 150 into the expiratory tube 108 contains isoflurane. In other words, the air (e.g., gas) breathed out by the patient 150 into the expiratory tube 108 is isoflurane-contaminated. The air containing isoflurane travels through the expiratory tube 108 and into the container 112 containing the layer 114 of activated charcoal. The isoflurane-contaminated gas enters the container 112 where the gas is carried directly to the layer 114 of activated charcoal. When the gas contacts the layer 114 of activated charcoal in the container 112, the isoflurane is adsorbed by the activated charcoal. In this manner, the air circulated through the anesthesia circuit 100 is gradually cleaned of isoflurane. A patient 150 breathing the air circulated through the anesthesia circuit 100 can thus be expeditiously awoken from anesthesia.
[0026] Gas that has its isoflurane adsorbed by the layer 114 of activated charcoal continues to flow through the anesthesia circuit 100 via connecting tube 118. The gas may enter the anesthesia machine 116 and then be reintroduced into the inspiratory airflow to the patient 150 for another cycle of adsorption (e.g., purification) via the inspiratory tube 110.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting tube 118 may not contact the layer 114 of activated charcoal. By ensuring that the connecting tube 118 does not contact the layer 114 of activated charcoal, the anesthesia circuit 100 prevents particulate matter from the layer 114 of activated charcoal from traveling through the connecting tube 118 and into the anesthesia machine 116.
[0028] In some implementations, the anesthesia circuit 100 comprises a filter 120 disposed along a length of the connecting tube 118. While the implementation of FIG. 1 illustrates that the filter 120 is disposed at the first end of the connecting tube 118 that connects to the anesthesia machine 116, in other implementations, the filter 120 may be elsewhere along the length of the connecting tube 118. For example, the filter may be disposed at the second end of the connecting tube 118 that connects to the container 112. In certain implementations, the filter 120 may be disposed along any portion of the length of the connecting tube 118.
[0029] In some implementations, the filter 120 may comprise an N95 filter. The N95 filter may be configured to remove from the connecting tube 118 ninety five percent of particulate matter having a diameter of 0.3 microns or greater that leaves the container 112 and enters the connecting tube 118. In certain implementations, the filter 120 may comprise an expiratory filter. The expiratory filter may be configured to remove 99.9 percent of particulate matter having a diameter of 0.2 microns or greater that leaves the container 112 and enters the connecting tube 118.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a container 112 for use in a reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system, such as the anesthesia circuit 100 of FIG. 1. The container 112 comprises a divider 113. The divider 113 may be configured to divide the container 112 into, for example, a first cavity 115 and a second cavity 117. In some implementations, the divider 113 is formed using a sheet metal divider, although other materials may be used for the divider. For example, the divider 113 may be configured as a 5.5-inch by 3-inch rectangular piece of sheet metal.
[0031] In some implementations, incorporation of the divider 113 into the container 112 reduces the amount of activated charcoal that must be placed in the layer 114 of activated charcoal while still allowing the first end of the expiratory tube 108 to extend into a fraction of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated charcoal. Further, the divider 113 provides a barrier between the layer 114 of the activated charcoal and the connecting tube 118 so that fine particles from the layer 114 of the activated charcoal are not entrained into the connecting tube 118.
[0032] The first cavity 115 may comprise, for example, between about twenty five percent of the volume defined by the container 112 and about thirty five percent of the volume defined by the container 112. In some implementations, the first cavity 115 may comprise, for example, one third of the volume defined by the container 112. The second cavity 117 may comprise, for example, two thirds of the volume defined by the container 112. In some implementations, the container has a width of between about 4 inches and about 8 inches (e.g., about 6 inches), a length of between about 4 inches and about 8 inches (e.g., about 6 inches), and a height of between about 2 inches about 5 inches (e.g., about 3.5 inches). The first cavity 115 may thus comprise a volume of between about thirty cubic inches and about forty-five cubic inches (e.g., about 37.5 cubic inches). The second cavity 117 may comprise a volume of between about ninety -five cubic inches and about eighty cubic inches (e.g., about 87.5 cubic inches).
[0033] A layer of activated charcoal, such as the layer 114 of activated charcoal of FIG. 1, may be disposed in the first cavity 115 of the container 112. Thus, in some implementations, roughly one third of a bottom surface of the interior cavity of the container 112 is filled with the layer 114 of activated charcoal.
[0034] In some implementations, incorporation of the divider 113 into the container 112 reduces the amount of activated charcoal that must be placed in the layer 114 of activated charcoal while still allowing the expiratory tube 108 to extend into a fraction of the depth d of the layer 114 of activated charcoal. Thus, the incorporation of the divider 113 may provide cost savings onmanufacturing while still allowing for sufficient adsorption of isoflurane gas by the layer 114 of activated charcoal. In some implementations, the divider 113 does not form an airtight separation between the first cavity 115 of the container 112 and the second cavity 117 of the container 112. In some implementations, the divider 113 is configured such that air can pass over the top of the divider 113 from the first cavity 115 to the second cavity 117.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a process 300 for manufacturing an anesthesia circuit in accordance with some embodiments described herein. At 302 of the process 300, a container having a lid is acquired. The container having a lid may be, for example, the container 112 of FIG. 1. The container 112 may be configured to contain or hold a layer of activated charcoal.
[0036] In some implementations, the lid may be connected to the container 112 via at least one hinge. The container may comprise stainless steel (e.g., a stainless-steel latch junction box). In some implementations, the container has a width of between about 4 inches and about 8 inches (e.g., about 6 inches), a length of between about 4 inches and about 8 inches (e.g., about 6 inches), and a height of between about 2 inches about 5 inches (e.g., about 3.5 inches). The dimensions (e.g., the height, length, and width) of the container 112 may be determined based on the amount of activated charcoal that is to be placed within the container. As such, the dimensions of the container 112 may help facilitate the adsorption of isoflurane by the layer of activated charcoal. The system manufactured according to the process 300 of FIG. 3 may thus be used to expeditiously awaken patients from anesthesia. In some implementations, a container 112 having a width of about 6 inches, a length of about 6 inches, and a height of about 3.5 inches may be configured to contain a layer of activated charcoal sufficient to expeditiously wake up about twenty patients from anesthesia prior to the layer of activated charcoal having to be replaced.
[0037] At 304, two holes are created in the lid of the container. In some implementations, a drill press is used to drill two holes in the lid of the container. In certain implementations, a first hole of the two holes may have a diameter of approximately seven eighths of an inch. In further implementations, a second hole may have a diameter of approximately one inch. In some implementations, the first hole and the second hole created in the lid of the container may be spaced between about 2 inches apart and about 6 inches apart. In certain implementations, the first hole and the second hole created in the lid of the container may be spaced between about 3 inches apart and about 5 inches apart. For example, the lid of the container may comprise a square, and the first hole and the second hole may be spaced apart by between about three inches apart and betweenabout five inches apart along a diagonal of the square. In some implementations, the first hole and the second hole may be spaced apart by between about three inches apart and between about five inches apart along a diagonal of the lid.
[0038] At 306, a respective grommet is applied to the two holes in the lid of the container. For example, if a first hole of the two holes in the lid of the container has a diameter of approximately seven eights of an inch, a grommet having a diameter of seven eights of an inch may be applied to the first hole. In some implementations, if a second hole of the two holes in the lid of the container has a diameter of approximately one inch, a grommet having a diameter of one inch may be applied to the second hole. In certain implementations, the grommets comprise rubber. In some implementations, glue (e.g., Loctite glue) may be used to apply the respective grommets to the two holes in the lid of the container. Each of the respective grommets may be configured to
[0039] At 308, a divider is affixed to the container. The divider may be, for example, the divider 113 of FIG. 2. In some implementations, the divider is affixed to the container with screws. In some implementations, the divider is configured to divide a volume defined by the container into a first cavity and a second cavity. In some implementations, the first cavity and the second cavity comprise equal volumes. In further implementations, a volume defined by the first cavity may be less than a volume defined by the second cavity. In certain implementations, the first cavity defines a volume that is one third of the volume defined by the container. In some implementations, the second cavity defines a volume that is two-thirds of the volume defined by the container.
[0040] At 310, an expiratory tube is placed in a first hole of the two holes in the lid of the container, and a connecting tube is placed in a second hole of the two holes in the lid of the container. The expiratory tube may be placed into the first hole of the two holes in the lid of the container using an anesthesia connector (e.g., a male anesthesia connector). Similarly, the connecting tube may be placed into the second hole of the two holes in the lid of the container using an anesthesia connector (e.g., a female anesthesia connector). The grommets applied to the respective two holes in the lid of the container in 306 of the process 300 provide an airtight seal around the expiratory tube and the connecting tube.
[0041] An anesthesia circuit manufactured in accordance with FIG. 3 can be introduced into the anesthesia circuit at the end of a surgery to allow the rapid adsorption of isoflurane (or other anesthesia gas) from the anesthesia circuit. This adsorption expedites the awakening of patients. Additionally, the reusable and affordable nature of this reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filtersystem allow for its use in resource-limited settings. Further, the reusability and affordability of the reusable anesthetic gas neutralization filter system, shows potential for anesthesia cost savings in higher income contexts.
[0042] The noted dimensions with respect to the Figures and the associated description are only examples as other dimensions may be used as well.
[0043] The systems, apparatus, methods, and / or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A system comprising: an anesthesia machine; an inspiratory tube having a first end removably coupled to the anesthesia machine; an expiratory tube; and a connecting tube; wherein a first end of the connecting tube is removably coupled to the anesthesia machine, a second end of the connecting tube is removably coupled to a container configured to contain a layer of activated charcoal, and a first end of the expiratory tube is removably coupled to the container configured to contain a layer of activated charcoal.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein a second end of the expiratory tube and a second end of the inspiratory tube are removably couplable to an endotracheal tube.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the expiratory tube is disposed within an interior cavity of the container configured to contain the layer of the activated charcoal.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the layer of the activated charcoal comprises a depth, and wherein the first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend into the layer of the activated charcoal to between seventy percent of the depth of the layer and ninety five percent of the depth of the layer.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the container containing the layer of the activated charcoal is configured with a divider to divide the interior cavity of the container into a first cavityof the container and a second cavity of the container, and wherein the layer of the activated charcoal is disposed in the first cavity of the container.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first cavity of the container comprises between twenty five percent of the interior cavity of the container and thirty five percent of the interior cavity of the container.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the layer of the activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters between three millimeters and one centimeter.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a height, and wherein a depth of the layer of the activated charcoal is between seventy percent of the height of the container and eighty percent of the height of the container.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the expiratory tube comprises a first polarity and the second end of the connecting tube comprises a second polarity, which is opposite the first polarity.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein a first grommet is configured to removably couple the first end of the expiratory tube to the container, and wherein a second grommet is configured to removably couple the second end of the connecting tube to the container.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed along the connecting tube.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a lid, and wherein the first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend through a first hole in the lid, and the second end of the connecting tube is configured to extend through a second hole in the lid.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first hole in the lid and the second hole in the lid are spaced apart by between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches apart along a diagonal of the lid.
14. A method compri sing : acquiring a container having a lid, the container comprising an interior cavity; creating two holes in the lid of the container; applying a respective grommet to the two holes in the lid of the container; affixing a divider to the container; placing an expiratory tube in a first hole of the two holes in the lid of the container; and placing a connecting tube in a second hold of the two holes in the lid of the container.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: coupling the connecting tube to an anesthesia machine; and coupling a first end of an inspiratory tube to the anesthesia machine.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the divider is configured to divide the interior cavity of the container into a first cavity of the container and a second cavity of the container, and wherein the method further comprises placing a layer of activated charcoal in the first cavity of the container.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the layer of activated charcoal comprises a plurality of pieces of activated charcoal having diameters between three millimeters and one centimeter.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first cavity of the container comprises between twenty five percent of the interior cavity of the container and thirty five percent of the interior cavity of the container.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the container comprises a height, and wherein a depth of the layer of activated charcoal is between seventy percent of the height of the container and eighty percent of the height of the container.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the layer of activated charcoal comprises a depth, and wherein a first end of the expiratory tube is configured to extend into the layer of the activated charcoal to between seventy percent of the depth of the layer and ninety five percent of the depth of the layer.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising disposing a filter along the connecting tube.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising removably coupling the expiratory tube the container using a first grommet and removably coupling the connecting tube to the container using a second grommet.
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