Breathing Circuit
Anesthetic breathing circuits for laboratory animals, offering Mapleson F non-rebreathing and dual-limb configurations with standard connectors for subjects under 7 kg.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Gerbil, Hamster, Mouse, Rat, Guinea pig
- SKU family
- RWD-R-NBC-F(JR)/ R-BC-DL
- Shipping box
- 34.0 × 39.0 × 33.0 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Anesthesia & Ventilation
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The RWD Breathing Circuit provides essential gas delivery and ventilation support for laboratory animal anesthesia procedures. This system offers two distinct configurations: Option 1 features a Mapleson F non-rebreathing circuit (Jackson-Rees modification) designed for subjects under 7 kg, while Option 2 provides a dual-limb breathing circuit with standard 22mm male and 15mm female connectors at 1.5m length. Both configurations are engineered to minimize breathing resistance while effectively managing carbon dioxide elimination during anesthetic procedures.
Non-rebreathing circuits like the Mapleson F system deliver fresh anesthetic gases with minimal dead space volume, reducing the risk of carbon dioxide rebreathing in smaller laboratory animals. The dual-limb configuration enables bidirectional gas flow management with separate inspiratory and expiratory pathways. The 1.5m circuit length provides sufficient distance between the anesthesia machine and the research subject while maintaining optimal gas delivery characteristics. Selection between circuit types depends on subject weight, experimental requirements, and ventilation needs.
How It Works
The Mapleson F circuit operates as a T-piece system where fresh gas flow enters near the patient connection, with exhaled gases vented through a reservoir bag and excess gas valve. This configuration minimizes rebreathing by ensuring expired CO2-rich gas is flushed from the system before the next inspiration. The Jackson-Rees modification adds an open-ended reservoir bag that serves as both a visual indicator of spontaneous breathing and a means for assisted ventilation.
The duo-limb circuit employs separate inspiratory and expiratory pathways connected through 22mm male and 15mm female standard connectors. Fresh gas travels through the inspiratory limb while exhaled gases are removed through the expiratory pathway, preventing mixing of fresh and expired gases. The 1.5-meter circuit length provides practical working distance while the dual-pathway design reduces dead space compared to single-limb systems.
Both configurations rely on adequate fresh gas flow rates (typically 2-3 times minute ventilation) to prevent CO2 accumulation. The absence of unidirectional valves in these non-rebreathing systems reduces breathing resistance, making them particularly suitable for subjects with limited respiratory capacity.
Features & Benefits
Connector Size Male
- 22mm
Connector Size Female
- 15mm
Circuit Types
- Mapleson F Non-rebreathing Circuit (Jackson-Rees), Modified Mapleson D system (Bain Coaxial), Breathing Circuit Duo-limb
Recommended Weight Threshold
- 7 kg (non-rebreathing for <7kg, rebreathing for >7kg)
Dead Space Consideration
- Volume of expired carbon-rich gas that remains in breathing system
Automation Level
- manual
Dimensions
- 1.5m
Brand
- RWD
Research Domain
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
- Cardiovascular
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Species
- Gerbil
- Hamster
- Mouse
- Rat
- Guinea pig
Shipping weight
- 8.27 lb
Shipping box
- L: 34.0 cm
- W: 39.0 cm
- H: 33.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 1.5-meter length | Standard circuits often range from 1.0-2.0 meters | Provides optimal balance between working distance and dead space minimization for small animal procedures. |
| Connector Compatibility | 22mm male/15mm female standard connectors | Some circuits use proprietary connector systems | Ensures broad compatibility with existing anesthetic equipment and endotracheal tube systems. |
| Circuit Configuration Options | Both Mapleson F and duo-limb designs available | Many suppliers offer only single circuit types | Allows protocol optimization based on specific ventilation monitoring and gas flow requirements. |
| Weight Threshold Design | Optimized for subjects under 7 kg | Some circuits attempt broader weight ranges | Specifically engineered breathing resistance characteristics for small laboratory animal respiratory physiology. |
The RWD breathing circuits provide specialized non-rebreathing configurations with standard connector compatibility and appropriate circuit length for small animal research applications. The dual configuration options support various anesthetic protocols while maintaining the low-resistance characteristics required for subjects under 7 kg.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapleson F Non-rebreathing Circuit (Jackson-Rees) | RWD-R-NBC-F(JR) | $105.00 | Available | 34.0 × 39.0 × 33.0 cm |
| Modified Mapleson D system(Bain Coaxial) | RWD-R-BC-DL | $50.00 | Available | 34.0 × 39.0 × 33.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Monitor reservoir bag movement during spontaneous ventilation to assess breathing adequacy and detect airway obstruction.
Why: Visual breathing indicators help maintain appropriate anesthetic depth and identify respiratory complications early.
Calculate fresh gas flow as 2-3 times estimated minute ventilation based on subject weight and respiratory rate.
Why: Inadequate flow rates can lead to CO2 accumulation and respiratory acidosis in non-rebreathing circuits.
Inspect all connections before each procedure and replace circuits showing any signs of wear or damage.
Why: Gas leaks can compromise anesthetic delivery and increase environmental exposure to anesthetic agents.
Always connect scavenging systems to remove excess anesthetic gases from the work environment.
Why: Chronic exposure to waste anesthetic gases poses health risks to laboratory personnel.
If CO2 levels appear elevated, increase fresh gas flow rate rather than switching to rebreathing systems for small subjects.
Why: Small animals cannot overcome the breathing resistance of rebreathing circuit valves effectively.
Document actual fresh gas flow rates used during procedures for protocol standardization and repeatability.
Why: Flow rate variations can affect anesthetic depth and physiological parameters being measured.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Breathing circuit tubing (1.5m)
- Standard connectors (22mm male/15mm female)
- Reservoir bag (for Mapleson F configuration) (typical)
- User manual (typical)
- Connector adapters (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for proper circuit selection and setup guidance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What animal weights is this breathing circuit suitable for?
This non-rebreathing circuit (Mapleson F/Jackson-Rees) is recommended for rodents and animals under 7 kg, as it delivers oxygen and anesthetic gases with minimal breathing resistance. For subjects over 7 kg, a rebreathing system is recommended due to lower resistance needs.
What are the connector specifications and will it fit our anesthesia machine?
This circuit features 22mm male and 15mm female connectors with a 1.5m length. You should verify these connector sizes are compatible with your anesthesia delivery system and face masks before ordering. Contact our support team if you need compatibility verification.
What is the difference between the Mapleson F and Duo-limb circuit options?
The Mapleson F (Jackson-Rees) is a non-rebreathing circuit designed for minimal breathing resistance in small animals, while the Duo-limb is a modified Mapleson D system with separate inhalation and exhalation limbs. The specific differences in dead space and resistance between these options are best discussed with our technical team.
How does this circuit manage carbon dioxide removal?
As a non-rebreathing circuit, this system removes carbon dioxide through higher fresh gas flow rates rather than chemical absorption, minimizing breathing resistance. The recommended gas flow rate should be approximately three times the animal's minute volume to ensure adequate CO2 elimination.
Is this circuit reusable and what maintenance is required?
The product description does not specify cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance requirements. Please contact our support team for detailed care instructions, reusability information, and recommended sterilization protocols.
What fresh gas flow rates should I use with this circuit?
Fresh gas flow should be approximately three times your animal's minute volume. The product includes a reference table showing recommended flow rates based on body weight and estimated tidal volume, which you should consult when setting up your anesthesia delivery.
How quickly can this be shipped and do you offer bulk discounts?
Specific shipping timeframes and bulk pricing are not detailed in the product information. Please contact our sales or support team with your quantity needs and timeline requirements for accurate shipping and pricing information.
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