The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), in collaboration with ASA, has launched an online course on low-flow anesthesia using guided simulation to help the learner develop the mental models needed to comfortably embark on a practice of low-flow anesthesia. The course is free to all anesthesia professionals and offers continuing education credits as well. More information is available at the APSF Low-Flow Anesthesia landing page (apsf.org/tei/lfa).
For background information on low-flow anesthesia, please read Low-Flow Anesthesia...100 Years Later in the March 2023 ASA Monitor.
Course on Low-Flow Anesthesia
The course is free and accessible through the APSF website as well as directly through the ASA Learning Center. The ASA site hosts only the course itself whereas the APSF website includes additional information relevant to the practice of low-flow anesthesia.
APSF Website (apsf.org/tei/lfa):
Introductory tour of the simulation platform
Link to the course on the ASA website
Supplemental information
Global Warming – Blame Anesthesia? Article describing the environmental rationale for practicing low-flow anesthesia
Technology and Low-Flow Anesthesia Practice: Article describing the various tools available in different anesthesia machine models to support a low-flow practice
Is Rebreathing Prevented when FGF Equals MV? Article describing the relationship between FGF, minute ventilation, and rebreathing
Gas Man Computer Education Tools: Link to access this computer-based simulation tool for learning uptake and distribution of inhaled anesthetics
Links to websites of anesthesia delivery system manufacturers for more detailed information about specific devices
ASA Course Website (asamonitor.pub/3VJYFxc):
Easiest path is to follow link from the APSF website
(Requires ASA membership or a free guest account login)
Course Topics
Introduction to Low-Flow Anesthesia
Using the Circle System to Control Rebreathing of Exhaled Gases
Safe Oxygen Delivery during Low-Flow Anesthesia
Effective Anesthetic Delivery during Low-Flow Anesthesia
Managing Fresh Gas Flow during the Maintenance Phase of Anesthesia
Managing Fresh Gas Flow after Intravenous Induction
Managing Fresh Gas Flow during the Emergence Phase of Anesthesia
Carbon Dioxide Absorbents and Low-Flow Anesthesia
