Respiratory monitoring for anaesthesia with the SAM module (Smart Anaesthesia Multi-gas)
GE Healthcare's SAM Module, which stands for Smart Anesthesia Multi-gas, is a benchmark solution for respiratory and anaesthetic monitoring in modern operating theatres. Designed for use with GE patient monitoring systems, this module continuously and accurately analyses inspired and expired gases, including oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and the most commonly used halogenated anaesthetic agents such as isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane, halothane and enflurane.
Physically integrated into the Tram-Rac® platforms, the SAM stands out for its compact design, which facilitates integration without compromising measurement quality. One of its major strengths is its ability to provide breath-by-breath analysis and continuously display CO₂ and O₂ curves (depending on the version selected). In addition, it provides inspired and expired numerical values, as well as respiratory rate, thereby enhancing patient anaesthetic monitoring.
The SAM allows automatic identification of anaesthetic agents, whether administered alone or in mixtures. This accurate identification is essential for adapting anaesthesia settings in real time and ensuring patient safety. As an option, oxygen analysis is performed using paramagnetic technology, providing highly reliable measurements.
Another highlight of SAM is its active protection against moisture thanks to the Aqua-Knot® II disposable water trap, which combines high absorption capacity with an automatic shut-off device and a visual alert on the screen. This prevents sensor contamination and reduces maintenance requirements.
The SAM also offers automatic calibration, reducing interruptions for the user. Calibration for CO₂, N₂O and anaesthetic agents is carried out in ambient air, with automatic adjustments for temperature, atmospheric pressure and water vapour. It also compensates for interactions between gases for optimum measurement accuracy.
In terms of performance, this module offers very fast response times (less than 400 ms for CO₂ and less than 600 ms for other gases), sensitive detection thresholds (down to 0.3% for a second anaesthetic agent) and rigorous measurement accuracy, which is essential for anaesthesia management.
With fully configurable alarms (high/low for each gas measured, respiratory rate, occlusion, etc.) and the ability to display trends for up to 24 hours, the SAM integrates seamlessly into demanding clinical practices. It is certified to international standards (IEC/EN/UL 60601-1, CE marking).
The SAM Module is an essential tool for anaesthesia professionals who want high-quality, accurate, reliable monitoring that is easy to integrate into their clinical environment.
