Resuscitation circuits incorporating microbial filters

A method for resuscitation of a patient, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining or providing a resuscitation circuit which comprises;
• a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connectable to a source of inspiratory gas;
• a distal tubular assembly having a first arm, a second arm and a third arm, the distal end of the tube being connected to the second arm of the distal tubular assembly;
• a mask or other patient airway device connected to the third arm of the distal tubular assembly;
• and
• an exhalation port on the first arm of the distal tubular assembly;
• the distal tubular assembly being configured such that blocking the exhalation port causes the inspiratory gas to flow through the mask or other patient airway device for delivery to a patient's lungs and, thereafter, unblocking the exhalation port allows respiratory gas exhaled into the mask or other patient airway device to exit through the exhalation port;
• wherein the distal tubular assembly further comprises a filter positioned upstream of the exhalation port, said filter being configured such that respiratory gas exhaled into the mask or other patient airway device must pass through the filter before exiting through the exhalation port connecting the proximal end of the tube to a source of inspiratory gas such that inspiratory gas is flows from the source, through the tube, through the second arm, through the first arm and out of the exhalation port;
• engaging the mask or other patient airway with the patient;
• blocking the exhalation port, thereby causing the inspiratory gas to flow through the third arm, through the mask or other patient airway device, and into the patient's airway;
• and, thereafter,
• unblocking the exhalation port, thereby allowing exhaled air to pass from the patient's airway, through the mask or other patient airway device, through the third arm, through the filter, through the first arm and out of the exhalation port.