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.

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