Armstrong Medical manufactures and globally distributes respiratory disposables for anaesthesia and critical care applications. Although well known for products such as laryngeal airways, breathing circuits and a wide range of accompanying accessories Armstrong Medical is fast becoming renowned as the company that developed and manufactures AMSORB^® PLUS the unique carbon dioxide absorbent.

AMSORB^® PLUS carries a worldwide patent and is recognised as the safe alternative to conventional soda lime and Baralyme®. It is available worldwide and enjoys the patronage of major health institutions throughout Europe and the US and is increasingly becoming the absorbent of choice.

A proliferation of clinical reports and near-death incidents with conventional absorbents prompted Armstrong Medical to reformulate an absorbent without the strong chemical base of soda limes,which were known to cause destruction of the anaesthetic vapour to carbon monoxide. AMSORB^® PLUS became the solution to a real clinical problem. It is incapable of degradation of anaesthetic agents in any state of use. It simply absorbs carbon dioxide.

Some absorbents are known to degrade anaesthetic vapour into potentially toxic compounds of which carbon monoxide, methanol, formaldehyde; dimethoxymethane and compound A have been reported along with related adsorption or disappearance of anaesthetic vapour into desiccated absorbent. Carbon monoxide is an innocuous toxin; a silent killer with an affinity for haemoglobin greater than oxygen. A long half-life makes it resistant to displacement from haemoglobin. Formaldehyde is more obvious; it is a potent respiratory irritant and carcinogen. These degradents have no role to play in anaesthesia other than posing risk to patients. AMSORB^® PLUS has been developed to eliminate these problems.

AMSORB^® PLUS does not contain strong base chemicals common to other absorbents. Instead, the absorption accelerant is calcium chloride. Consequently, AMSORB^® PLUS is completely inert in the presence of anaesthetic agents. Its colour indicator responds to desiccation without requiring the presence of carbon dioxide. Granule diameter and length are constant and special production controls limit the presence of dust. Simulated clinical testing is used to qualify each production LOT prior to release. Unlike soda limes, AMSORB^® PLUS is not caustic and can be handled and disposed without special precautions.

The product is available in a variety of loose-fill packages and pre-packed canisters. For further information on AMSORB^® PLUS or any product within the Armstrong Medical range please contact:

Armstrong Medical
Wattstown Business Park • Newbridge Road
Coleraine • BT52 1BS • Northern Ireland
T:00 44 (0)28 7035 6029 • F:00 44 (0)28 7035 6875
info@armstrongmedical.net • www.armstrongmedical.net