"Evaluation of Micropores SpiraLith Absorbents"

Calcium hydroxide lime is one of the newer clinically available carbon dioxide absorbents and probably considered the current standard of care. It is mainly composed of calcium hydroxide and calcium chloride and contains two setting agents: calcium sulfate and polyvinylpyrrolidine which contribute to the increased hardness and porosity of this absorbent. The most significant advantage of calcium hydroxide lime over other agents is that it is produced without sodium and potassium hydroxide which are strong bases.

lithium hydroxide was studied for use in anesthesia as a possible replacement for calcium absorbents. This agent has been used for CO2 absorption in the military and in aerospace for over 50 years due to its high capacity and efficiency in the removal of CO2. It was however not considered usable by the medical industry due to concerns with its granular form. It has now been demonstrated that LiOH does not interact with commonly used inhalation anesthetic agents and appears to have higher CO2 removal capability.