A Method of Positive Pressure Anesthesia for the Rat.

Abstract

The use of a positive pressure mask and an abdominal binder was superior to intubation and tracheotomy for thoracotomies. A dual outlet glass thistle-tube with the mouth closed by a rubber cuff was used as a mask. One outlet was connected to a closed pressure system designed to deliver controlled amts. of O2 and ether. The 2d outlet permitted control of respirations. The method was used successfully in 130 thoracotomies, 87 of which were for ligation of the pulmonary artery. No operative deaths occurred in the last. 50 operations. The. method is applicable to the use of ether, intraperit. barbiturates or both.