Advanced capnography sampling lines may improve patient comfort and compliance

Abstract

Purpose: Capnography monitoring in non-intubated patients requires the use of an end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) sampling line composed of a nasal or oral/nasal cannula connected to tubing that goes behind the ears to secure it in place. Some patients find wearing sampling lines to be uncomfortable, which can lead to compliance issues with monitoring. To address this important issue, we developed advanced sampling lines, designed to ameliorate the primary factors impacting patient tolerance. Patients and Methods: A clinical evaluation was conducted to assess patient comfort level and wearing experience with the advanced sampling lines compared to the original sampling lines. Subjects were asked to wear the predicate line and the advanced line for 72 hours each, with individual testing periods separated by at least 48hrs. Subjects were asked to complete questionnaires assessing comfort and smell of the sampling lines at designated intervals throughout the trial process. In addition, a clinician assessed sub-jects’ skin during and after wearing each sampling line to determine if any skin irritation and disruption was evident. Results: Repeated measures analysis demonstrated improved patient comfort with the advanced sampling line compared to the original line over the course of the wearing period (p<0.05). Additionally, scores indicate that the smell of the advanced lines was perceived as less noticeable than the original line over time. No incidents of skin redness or irritation were reported for either sampling line. Conclusion: The enhancements to the newly designed sampling lines improve the user experience, related to both line comfort and smell, which may increase patient compliance with monitoring.