There is a difference and it is not just the price.
Don’t be misled concerning isoflurane vaporizers. Some companies are “converting” or “remanufacturing” old inexpensive enflurane (Ethrane® ) vaporizers, then reselling them as freshly serviced isoflurane vaporizers. However, it is important for you to know there are profound differences between genuine isoflurane vaporizers and these enflurane imposters.
Independent Evaluation
It has been determined that some of these “remanufactured” or “converted” vaporizers are still comprised primarily of enflurane components. Based on the evidence Ohmeda presented, there are added risks to your anesthetic procedure using these counterfeit vaporizers. We cannot quantify these risks to your patients.
Documented Problems
The output percentage concentrations of isoflurane using these vaporizers can be high compared to specification. Some delivered concentrations in excess of 10%. None of the “converted” or “remanufactured” vaporizers that were inspected were serviced to manufacturers’ specifications for any anesthetic agent – not isoflurane or enflurane. No manufacturer authorized service center will service these vaporizers.
The only three options available to the owners of these “remanufactured” vaporizers are:
1. Truly convert the vaporizer to Isoflurane by replacing all the enflurane components.
2. Remove the isoflurane labels, install enflurane labels and service the vaporizer as enflurane.
3. Return the vaporizer unserviced with a warning sticker that reads: “Dangerous – Do Not Use”.
Always ask:
"Am I getting a vaporizer that was originally manufactured for use with isoflurane?"
"Can proof of this be documented?"
Indicators
If you doubt the status of your vaporizer, here are some things to look for:
If the number scale on the dial goes past 5%, or if the dial itself can be turned past 5% after depressing the dial stop button a second time, you may have an enflurane vaporizer.
On the Ohio 100 series of vaporizer, if the nomenclature “% Forane ® (isoflurane) / volume of mixture” is missing on the dial label, you may have an enflurane vaporizer.
If the word “remanufactured: or “converted” is present on any label of the vaporizer, you may have an enflurane vaporizer.
The only way to know for certain if you have a “remanufactured” vaporizer is to send it to an independent service center for evaluation. We are happy to help you get your vaporizer evaluated and have genuine isoflurane loaner vaporizers available for you.
We believe it is important that you have full disclosure of the facts.