What happens to capnography during CPR?

Measurement of end-tidal expiratory pressure of carbon dioxide (ETCO2) using capnography provides a noninvasive estimate of cardiac output and organ perfusion during cardiac arrest and can therefore be used to monitor the quality of CPR and predict return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

How does a capnography machine work?

It is grounded on the property that carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbs infrared radiation. When the patient exhales, a beam of infrared light is passed over the gas sample on a sensor. The presence or lack of CO2, is inversely indicated by the amount of light that passes through the sensor.

Why is capnography a useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of CPR?

As an assessment tool during CPR, capnography can help the ACLS provider determine a number of things. It is a direct measurement of ventilation in the lungs, and it also indirectly measures metabolism and circulation.

What is capnography equipment?

A capnograph is an instrument that measures the carbon dioxide concentration in an air sample. It is most commonly used to monitor the carbon dioxide content of air being delivered to intensive care patients or those under anesthesia.

Why is ETCO2 low during CPR?

Low ETCO2 (below 10 mm HG) may be caused by either poor compression technique, or from low perfusion and metabolism after a long downtime or shock despite good compressions.

Why do we use capnography?

It is well recognized that capnography can be used to detect displaced tracheal tubes and tracheostomy tubes and to diagnose inadvertent oesophageal intubation. In addition, capnography has other uses in ICU relating to airway management and monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Which sensor is used for capnography monitoring?

Capnography Monitoring: CO2 Sensors | Nihon Kohden. Whether your patients are oral or nasal breathers, in need of short- or long-term monitoring or under high-humidity conditions, they require reliable capnography monitoring.

What is the main determinant of ETCO2 measurement during CPR?

It is most reliably measured using waveform capnography, where the visualization of the actual CO2 waveform during ventilation ensures accuracy of the measurement. During low-flow states with relatively fixed minute ventilation, pulmonary blood flow is the primary determinant of ETCO2 .

Where is capnography located?

Capnography is also the most reliable indicator that an endotracheal tube is placed in the trachea after intubation. Oxygenation and ventilation are distinct physiologic functions that must be assessed in both intubated and spontaneously breathing patients.

How do you do capnography?

Capnography is measured with an adapter between the bag-valve device and the mask, or with nasal prongs that sample exhaled air from the mouth and nose. The waveform begins at baseline when exhaled air from the dead space in the upper airway reaches the sensor, which contains no measurable CO2.

What is the main determinant of ETCO2 during CPR?

During low-flow states with relatively fixed minute ventilation, pulmonary blood flow is the primary determinant of ETCO2 . During cardiac arrest, ETCO2 levels reflect the cardiac output generated by chest compression.