Different Approaches to the Analysis of Volumetric Capnography

Abstract

Lung mechanics and arterial blood gases are the two most common categories of variables used to assess lung function and to adjust mechanical ventilation. Analyzing the kinetics of carbon dioxide (CO2) is another attractive approach to monitor patients receiving mechanical ventilation. CO2 is eliminated from the blood by diffusing through the alveolar-capillary membrane. By knowing how CO2 behaves on its way to the ambient air, physicians can obtain useful information about ventilation, perfusion, diffusion, and also convection. Despite the fact that capnography has been an essential part of monitoring during general anesthesia surprisingly it has never gained widespread use in intensive care medicine.