Capnography

CAPNOGRAPH INFORMATION

Capnography refers to the noninvasive measurement of thepartial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled breath expressed as the CO2concentration over time. The waveform displayed on a capnogram, or capnograph,is used to identify disease conditions and assess response to treatment.Capnography is also one of the most reliable indicators that an endotrachealtube has been correctly placed during intubation.

Pulse oximetry provides instantaneous feedback aboutoxygenation in patients receiving general anesthesia.

Capnography distinguishes between oxygenation (howeffectively CO2 is being eliminated by the pulmonary system) and ventilation(how effectively CO2 is being transported through the vascular system).Capnography became a routine part of anesthesia practice in Europe and theUnited States in the 1970s; it is now part of the standard of care for allpatients receiving general anesthesia.