Peroperative arterial hypoxaemia. The interaction between intrapulmonary shunt and cardiac output: A computer model

Abstract

A computer model of respiratory physiology was used to investigate the interaction between cardiac output and intrapulmonary shunting during anaesthesia. Significant degrees of arterial desaturation were demonstrated as the cardiac output was reduced. We suggest that volume expansion may correct some episodes of desaturation observed during anaesthesia. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved