Frequently Asked Questions

No, the canister cannot capture nitrous oxide—it can only capture halogenated inhaled anesthetics such as sevoflurane and desflurane.¹ If nitrous oxide must be used, use the SENSOfluran PLUS sensor unit to connect to the anesthetic gas scavenging system (AGSS). The SENSOfluran PLUS sensor unit allows the CONTRAfluran™ system to be configured to allow the use of nitrous oxide along with an AGSS system to vent the nitrous oxide gas.²

Yes, canisters can and should be changed during surgery as needed. To facilitate the change, keep an empty canister close at hand.

ZeoSys has conducted testing that showed that the number of ppm (parts per million) of sevoflurane or desflurane in the operating theatre (OT) when using CONTRAfluran™ is below NIOSH recommended maximum safety levels.⁴ Please contact your Baxter sales representative for the study report. Please note that if nitrous oxide is still being used in the OT, the AGSS system must remain on and changed to passive mode, and the SENSOfluran PLUS sensor must be used and configured to ensure proper airflow.²

No, the SENSOfluran^TM sensor only works with a CONTRAfluran^TM canister.

The canister is capable of capturing isoflurane. However, Baxter will not collect canisters filled with isoflurane. Therefore, isoflurane is not recommended. If isoflurane must be used, use a new canister to capture isoflurane and keep it separate from those used to capture sevoflurane and desflurane.

Yes, one canister can take a mixture of the two gases.

The canisters are designed to take any manufacturer’s sevoflurane or desflurane.

No, the CONTRAfluran^TM  canister has been tested and has not been shown to cause back pressure.

CONTRAfluran^TM can be used with anesthesia machines that can be converted to passive mode. This includes many but not all anesthesia machines. Please contact your Baxter sales representative for details.

Store used canisters sealed tightly in their protective zipper bags. Store at room temperature in a well-ventilated space.³

Baxter will support our customers in the collection of canisters.

Customers should contact their Baxter salesperson for comments, suggestions, or inquiries.