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In low- and minimal-flow anesthesia, it is essential to understand the basic pharmacological and physiologic principles. The lower the fresh gas flow, the more important this basic knowledge becomes. In particular, clinicians need to understand the importance of monitoring ventilation and measuring gas concentrations from the Y-piece. This technology brief from GE Healthcare outlines the basics of low-flow anesthesia, covering essential topics that include:

General technical requirements independent of anesthesia machine used
The components of the circle system
The chemical process of CO₂ absorption with the soda lime
How long to use the CO2 absorber and how to know when to replace it