| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of manual resuscitators (MRs) used in Brazil in
accordance with international standards. METHODS: Using a respiratory system simulator, four volunteer physiotherapists
employed eight MRs (five produced in Brazil and three produced abroad),
which were tested for inspiratory and expiratory resistance of the patient
valve; functioning of the pressure-limiting valve; and tidal volume
(VT) generated when the one-handed and two-handed techniques
were used. The tests were performed and analyzed in accordance with the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F920-93 criteria. RESULTS: Expiratory resistance was greater than 6 cmH2O . L−1 .
s−1 in only one MR. The pressure-limiting valve, a feature of
five of the MRs, opened at low pressures (< 17 cmH2O), and the
maximal pressure was 32.0-55.9 cmH2O. Mean VT varied
greatly among the MRs tested. The mean VT values generated with
the one-handed technique were lower than the 600 mL recommended by the ASTM.
In the situations studied, mean VT was generally lower from the
Brazilian-made MRs that had a pressure-limiting valve. CONCLUSIONS: The resistances imposed by the patient valve met the ASTM criteria in all
but one of the MRs tested. The pressure-limiting valves of the
Brazilian-made MRs usually opened at low pressures, providing lower
VT values in the situations studied, especially when the
one-handed technique was used, suggesting that both hands should be used and
that the pressure-limiting valve should be closed whenever possible. |
