The effect of the Bain circuit on gas exchange.

This is an experimental and theoretical analysis of the Mapleson D (Bain) circuit. A bench model was used to determine the effects of breathing rate, tidal volume, and fresh gas flow on the simulated alveolar gas composition when a commercial Bain breathing circuit is used. In addition, an effort was made to derive mathematical equations that describe the CO2-profile in the expiratory limb of the Bain circuit, the amount of CO2 rebreathed, and the effect of this rebreathing on the alveolar gas composition. Data obtained with the bench model and with the equations were compared to data from the literature. The effect of the Bain circuit on gas exchange was compared to that of an equivalent dead space.