13
Basic Delivery Technique
“Practice titration. Titration is a method of administering a substance by adding definitive
amounts of a drug until an endpoint is reached. For Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen (N
2
O) / O
2
) sedation,
N
2
O is given in incremental doses until a patient has reached a comfortable relaxed state of
sedation. The ability to titrate N
2
O is a significant advantage because it limits the amount of drug
to that which is required by the patient. If titration is done properly, the patient does not receive
any more of the drug than is necessary. The amount of N
2
O required by a patient on any given
day or time varies.”
1
[Clark, Brunick]
For information on titration, a most valuable resource for the practitioner is the
1
Handbook of
Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Sedation, written by Clark and Brunick and published by Mosby
(www.mosby.com). This text is a concise and contemporary guide for Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen
administration.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When the % N
2
O concentration knob is open, the Total Flow knob is closed, and there is no N
2
O
flow indicated in the flow tube, the Nitrous Oxide Failsafe System will stop the flow of N
2
O.
However, this safety feature should not be used as the primary shut off mechanism. The % N
2
O
and Total Flow control knobs are for primary shut-off. After primary shut-off, the On / Standby
Switch should be placed in the STANDBY (off) position for final shut-off of the unit (an auto-zero
of the unit will be performed).
NOTE: If your unit does not operate as described in Steps 1 through 10 under Directions
for Use, please contact your Dental Dealer or Porter Instrument.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
It is advisable, on a two (2) year cycle, to have the MXR Flowmeter factory checked and serviced.
The Nitrous Oxide Failsafe System is made of moving parts. Between servicing intervals, it is
advisable to safeguard against potential malfunctions by performing the failsafe check before
each and every use of the unit. Safe operating techniques, learned during your N
2
O - O
2
Conscious Sedation training, should always be used.
Inspect and maintain
the analgesia delivery system to prevent N
2
O leaks in all hoses,
connections and fittings. Repair all leaks immediately.
CLEANING METHODS
We recommend the use of an approved disinfectant for the dental environment for cleaning the
outside of the flowmeter and accessories. Do not spray disinfectant directly onto meter. Spray
disinfectant into disposable towel and wipe unit thoroughly removing excess disinfectant to
eliminate buildup.