Medical Oxygen
Medical oxygen is widely used for virtually all modern anaesthetic techniques as well as pre- and post-operative management. Oxygen provides life support by restoring tissue oxygen levels in a range of conditions, including:
- Cyanosis as a result of cardio-pulmonary disease
- Surgical trauma, chest wound, rib fractures and coronary occlusions
- Major trauma from shock, such as road accidents and gunshot wounds
- Carbon monoxide poisoning, hypoxia.
Oxygen plays a vital role in the management of sudden cardiac and respiratory arrest whether drug induced or traumatic; as well as in resuscitation of critically ill patients when circulation is impaired. It is also used in neo-natal resuscitation. Afrox is the only supplier in South Africa to have been granted an approval for registration by Medicines Control Council (MCC) for use of medical oxygen for treatment of episodic cluster headaches.
Medical Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide applications:
- Used to rapidly increase the depth of anaesthesia when volatile agents are being administered
- To facilitate blind intubation in anaesthetic practice
- To facilitate vasodilation, and thus lessen the degree of metabolic acidosis during induction of hyperthermia
- To stimulate respiration after a period of apnoea
- To prevent hypocapnia during hyperventilation
- Used for various other clinical and physiological investigations
- For the relief of severe pain, usually in emergency situations, by inhalation with 50% oxygen
- Used during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, in controlled situations.