Guide to manual positive pressure ventilation (bagging) in companion animal practice

Abstract

Background: Squeezing the reservoir bag on the anaesthetic breathing system to inflate the lungs (colloquially known as bagging) is a technique commonly used during general anaesthesia in veterinary practice. Despite being straightforward to perform, the physiological implications are important to understand. Furthermore, catastrophic consequences can occur and staff must be vigilant and trained correctly when using this technique to manage ventilation during anaesthesia. Aim of the article: This article provides an overview of the indications and contraindications of manual bagging, and reviews relevant literature from human medicine.

Arterial blood pressure. Part 2: causes and management of hypotension during general anaesthesia in cats and dogs

“… ▪ compression of the vena cava (and possibly the aorta) during inspiration due to positive intrathoracic pressure; ▪ compression of the heart itself during inspiration preventing relaxation and filling (Torres Cantò and others 2022). …”