Although low-flow CO2 granular absorbents mitigate toxic by-products during anesthesia, they also introduce new concerns regarding patient and staff safety, hospital equipment, overall costs and the environmental impact.

Channeling in Granular Absorbents

Channeling in granular absorbents occurs when exhaled gas takes the path of least resistance through the granules, bypassing the reactive material. Channeling can be caused by random settling of the granular absorbent during manufacturing, shipping or use. As a result, gas may flow through various paths in the absorbent bed, along the smooth canister wall or settle within the canister’s core.

Channeling leads to highly variable performance duration, increased canister usage and costs, as well as signifcant unreacted absorbent waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, channeling can pose safety concerns when the lack of a visible color change encourages continued use of the product, even when granules along the path of least resistance are completely expired, potentially degrading volatile anesthetics to toxic byproducts.

Color Changing in Granular Absorbents

The color change in granular absorbents is often unreliable and meaningless due to random flow, channeling and the granules’ tendency for color reversion during periods of non-use. What is visible on the outside of the canister does not reflect what is happening inside. In fact, it is not uncommon for exhausted canisters to show little or no visible color change, which can make them confusing and potentially dangerous as desicated canisters are known to produce toxins.

Dusting from Granular Absorbents

Dust-related problems are a very serious issue associated with all granular absorbents and are well known to cause complications that negatively impact patient safety, hospital staff, and machine health. Patients and anesthesia providers are at risk of inhaling caustic dust during the procedure or product exchange, while biomedical engineers are at risk when cleaning or servicing the anesthesia machines. The presence of dust also leads to an increased need for replacement parts, such as sensors and o-rings, further driving up hospital costs.

Environmental Footprint from Granular Absorbents

Volatile, unreacted anesthetics are potent greenhouse gases that harm the environment by depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming. The gases also remain in the atmosphere far longer than carbon dioxide. Absorbent canisters are made from plastic and contain residual amounts of volatile anesthetics and unreacted chemical contents. Disposal is often regulated and costly.

The Solid Choice: SpiraLithCa® Solid Absorbent Technology™

No Channeling. No Dusting. No Duration Penalty.

SpiraLithCa from Micropore utilizes revolutionary Solid Absorbent Technology to solve all the problems associated with granular absorbents used during the administration of anesthesia. SpiraLithCa is comprised of absorbent powders bound together by a polymer matrix to form a solid absorbent sheet. It is specifically engineered to have uniform air passages that eliminate channeling and ensure uniform cartridge use and longer duration. Clinicians can now take advantage of low-flow anesthesia and its benefits without consequence.

Efficient Absorption

• No channeling of gases – all absorbent is exposed to exhaled gas
• Maximum surface area for reaction with carbon dioxide in exhaled gases
• Highest absorption efficiency of any absorbent

Reliable Duration Performance

• Reliable and repeatable performance for every cartridge
• The unique color indicator window system is the most accurate and easiest to interpret color indicator available
  • Reliably shows progressive utilization and remaining absorbent; lets you know when to change out the cartridge
  • Bold, fade-resistant color
  • Color will not revert

Enhanced Safety

• No caustic dust
  • Easily handled with no risk to patients or staff
  • Does not contaminate ventilation equipment with dust
  • No restrictions on disposal
• Low flow formulation
  • No production of Compound A or Carbon Monoxide

Reduced Environmental Impact

• Promotes safe use of reduced fresh gas flow rates
• Less absorbent material is used
• Lower pH due to reduction of unreacted material in waste stream

For more information or an evaluation of SpiraLithCa® Absorbent contact your local MED Alliance Group sales representative, call 888-891-1200 or email us.

MED Alliance Group is a medical device distributor that has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our clinical customers and manufacturing partners since 1998. We specialize in the sales, marketing, importation, logistics and distribution of innovative, high-quality and cost-effective products found in anesthesia and respiratory, blood and transfusion therapy, EMS and emergency room, interventional radiology and cath lab, iv and vascular, as well as NICU and PICU.

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