EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Obstetrics gas mixer

Hi all, I'm trying to find an alternative to the old CIG Mid-o-gas birthing gas mixers. I've contacted a few chums in the business but everyone seems to be plodding along with the Mid-o-gas units. Thought I had struck gold with the Air Liquide supplied Matrx MDM Digital but Air Liquide said no, dental use only so I seem to have hit a brick wall.

Anyone out there able to recommend an electronic mixer set-up for use in birthing?

Thanks, Dave

Has the good old Mid-O-Gas finally been discontinued then, Dave?

Pity. I wonder why "they" don't just bring out an updated version of this popular piece of kit?

Meanwhile, have you checked out Porter?

Could still be "dental", though. Although to be honest, I can't immediately see why. Maybe it's the relative (possible) gas concentrations.

Anyone (else) remember the "Lucy Baldwin" and the "Walton Five" analgesia units? One was "maternity", the other "dental"; but they were very similar. If I remember rightly (and it was over forty years ago now), the only difference was the minimum O2 flow rate (viz the O2/N2O ratio). But with an over-ride key on the Lucy (IIRC).

No, they are still going although in Oz they are being produced and supported by PD Medical these days. Nothing wrong with them, they still do the job I would just like to see if there was anything out there that was a little less "last century"

And yes, the Porter one, that's what I had been talking to Air Liquide about, dental only they say....

... pity they can't adjust the Matrx unit to suit medical applications. There again, I suppose it would need to go through the FDA* approval process; but I would have thought it would be worth doing that.

Surely there must be a large enough (and long term) market?

Either way, I can't see this modern kit serving as long as the "last century" stuff. Just look at those "buttons" on the MDM-D; just imagine what they'll be like after a few years of heavy use.

More information here:- Porter.

* According to the manual it complies with Medical Device Directive (93/42/EEC) - whatever that is - and carries CE Mark 0473 (which is often found on medical equipment).

have you tried 'noxbox'

Thanks Neil but sadly, NoxBox are for NO and NO2 only not for N2O mixing which is what we need here. Anyone got any other pointers, I can't believe the entire world is still using Mid-O-Gas?

Dave

O-Two's Equinox Advantage Oxygen/Nitrous Oxide Mixing and Delivery System


(Minimum) Peak Flow rate 120 L/Min
Exhalation Resistance 0 to 6 cm H2O @ 60 L/Min
Inhalation Resistance 0 to -6 cm H2O @ 60 L/Min
O2/N2O Mix Settings 25/75, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40,70/30, 75/25, 90/10, 100/0
Input Pressure 50 to 70 PSI (3.5 to 4.8 Bar)
Demand Valve Triggering Pressure -2.0 cm H2O
Pressure Relief Safety Valve 60 cm H2O
Visual and Audible Alarms (@60 db) O2 160-200 BPM <40 PSI / N2O 45 – 51 BPM<40 PSI
Operating Temperature 41 ºF to 104 ºF (5 ºC to 40 ºC)
Storage Temperature -40 ºF to 140 ºF (-40 ºC to 60 ºC)
Nitrous Oxide Input Connection CGA1040 DISS
Oxygen Input Connection CGA1240 DISS
Patient Valve Dead Space 8 ml
Weight 4.35 lbs (1.96 Kg)
Dimensions WxDxH 9.0” x 7.5” x 4.8” (229 x 190 x 122 mm)
Optional Oxygen Enrichment 30 L/min

OK Neil, I'll do the link for you.

Looks good; but I'm wondering if the concentration (knob) can be locked.

Hi Dave, electronic blender is still only seen on HLM..

But this one is being purchased around

http://www.parkerhealth.com.au/products/infant-care-and-maternity/equinox-advantage-analgesic-unit/

as Neil suggested..