The
anaesthetic machine (UK English) or
anesthesia machine (US English) or
Boyle's machine is used by
anaesthesiologists,
nurse anaesthetists, and
anaesthesiologist assistants to support the administration of
anaesthesia. The most common type of anaesthetic machine in use in the developed world is the
continuous-flow anaesthetic machine, which is designed to provide an accurate and continuous supply of medical gases (such as
oxygen and
nitrous oxide), mixed with an accurate concentration of anaesthetic vapour (such as
isoflurane), and deliver this to the patient at a safe
pressure and flow. Modern machines incorporate a ventilator, suction unit, and
patient monitoring devices.