Medical Oxygen Supply System

The medical oxygen supply system is a critical facility in hospitals and other medical institutions, used to provide oxygen to patients to meet their physiological needs. Oxygen is an important auxiliary factor in many treatments and surgical procedures, especially for patients with breathing difficulties, hypoxemia, or severe illnesses. The medical oxygen supply system helps maintain and improve the oxygenation status of patients.

Here is a detailed introduction to the medical oxygen supply system:

1. System Components

A medical oxygen supply system typically consists of the following parts:

(1) Oxygen Source

• Liquid Oxygen Storage Tank: A liquid oxygen storage tank is a device used to store liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen is vaporized to provide high-concentration oxygen. Liquid oxygen tanks are typically used for large-scale oxygen storage and long-term use in hospitals.

• Oxygen Cylinders: Oxygen cylinders are commonly used as a small-scale oxygen source, suitable for short-term emergency use or when mobility is needed. Oxygen cylinders are typically pressurized with oxygen, making them portable for personal use or as a backup source in hospitals.

• Oxygen Generators: Oxygen generators use molecular sieve technology to separate oxygen from the air and produce oxygen with a certain concentration for patient use. They do not require transportation or storage of oxygen, making them capable of providing continuous oxygen supply.

• Oxygen Piping System: The oxygen piping system connects the oxygen source to various patient rooms, treatment areas, and other locations, forming a centralized oxygen distribution network.

(2) Piping System

• Main Oxygen Supply Pipeline: The pipeline that carries oxygen from the oxygen source to various patient rooms, treatment rooms, etc. It usually includes pressure regulation devices to ensure the oxygen pressure in the pipes is appropriate and stable.

• Distribution System: The system that further divides the oxygen supply pipeline to specific delivery points, such as bed-side terminals, operating rooms, emergency areas, etc. These distribution points are connected through wall-mounted or bedside oxygen terminals.

• Oxygen Terminals and End-Use Devices: The interfaces that connect directly to patient equipment or pipelines. Common end-use devices include bedside oxygen terminals, oxygen inhalers, etc.

(3) Regulation and Control Devices

• Pressure Regulators: Oxygen is typically stored at high pressure, and to ensure safety and meet patient needs, it must be regulated. Pressure regulators adjust the high-pressure oxygen to a lower pressure suitable for patient use.

• Flow Meters and Flow Control Valves: Flow meters are used to display the oxygen flow rate, and medical staff can adjust the flow control valve to regulate the flow to meet the patient’s needs.

• Alarm Systems: The oxygen system typically includes alarm systems to monitor the pressure, flow, and gas supply status, ensuring the continuous and safe supply of oxygen and preventing system failures.

• Oxygen Concentration Monitors: These devices monitor the concentration of oxygen in real-time, ensuring that the patient is receiving high-purity oxygen.

(4) Auxiliary Equipment

• Oxygen Inhalers: These can be portable or bed-side devices that help patients inhale oxygen. Common inhalation devices include nasal cannulas, masks, and endotracheal tubes.

• Ventilators: For patients who cannot breathe on their own or require assistance with breathing, ventilators not only provide oxygen but also assist the patient with breathing, maintaining normal respiratory function.

2. Oxygen Supply Methods

There are several methods of oxygen supply, suitable for different patient needs:

(1) Nasal Cannula Oxygen Supply

This method is suitable for patients who require light oxygen support. A small tube is inserted into the nasal passages to deliver oxygen directly into the airways. This method is typically used for long-term low-flow oxygen therapy.

(2) Oxygen Mask Supply

This method is used for patients who require higher concentrations of oxygen. A mask is placed over the patient's nose and mouth to deliver higher-flow oxygen, suitable for patients with more severe breathing difficulties.

(3) High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

High-flow oxygen therapy uses specialized equipment to provide a higher flow of oxygen, suitable for patients with acute respiratory failure, severe illness, or those who need a large amount of oxygen.

(4) Mechanical Ventilation

For patients who cannot breathe independently or are experiencing respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation is used, which helps supply oxygen and assists with maintaining breathing.

(5) Negative Pressure Breathing Devices

Some hospitals also use negative pressure ventilation devices (such as negative pressure ventilators), which assist with pulmonary gas exchange and can be used to treat certain special patients or conditions.

3. Safety and Maintenance of the Oxygen System

As oxygen is a flammable gas, the design and operation of the medical oxygen supply system must adhere to strict safety regulations:

• Fire and Explosion Prevention Design: All equipment and pipelines in the oxygen system must meet fire and explosion prevention standards to prevent oxygen leakage and fire hazards.

• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: The oxygen system should be regularly inspected, especially the oxygen cylinders, pipeline joints, and flow control devices. Annual checks are required to ensure the system is in good working condition.

• Backup Oxygen System: In case of failure of oxygen generators or liquid oxygen tanks, hospitals need backup oxygen sources to ensure continuous oxygen supply.

4. Management of the Oxygen Supply System

The management of the oxygen system in medical institutions is typically handled by a specialized equipment management department, including:

• Gas Source Management: This includes selecting liquid oxygen suppliers, managing oxygen cylinders, and monitoring oxygen reserve levels.

• Technical Support and Training: Providing training to medical staff on the operation of equipment to ensure proper use of oxygen devices and avoid safety issues due to improper operation.

• Data Monitoring: Using digital management systems to monitor oxygen supply conditions, checking system parameters such as pressure and flow in real-time to ensure stable oxygen delivery.

5. Application Scenarios

The medical oxygen supply system is widely used in the following areas:

• Emergency Rooms and ICUs: For treating patients with acute respiratory failure, heart attacks, suffocation, and other severe conditions.

• Operating Rooms: To provide oxygen to patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery.

• Patient Rooms: Some patients with chronic diseases, the elderly, or those recovering from surgery may require long-term or intermittent oxygen support.

• Obstetrics: Oxygen support may be needed during labor and delivery for both the mother and newborn.

• Rehabilitation Departments: Some patients with respiratory diseases may need long-term oxygen therapy for recovery.

Conclusion

The medical oxygen supply system is a multifaceted and complex system, encompassing all aspects from the oxygen source to the delivery terminal equipment. Its core purpose is to ensure a stable and sufficient oxygen supply to patients during medical treatment, supporting their therapy and recovery processes. Hospitals need to configure the appropriate oxygen supply equipment based on actual needs and ensure its safety and stability.