[Volumetric capnography for analysis and optimization of ventilation and gas exchange]. / Volumetrische Kapnographie zur Analyse und Optimierung von Ventilation und Gasaustausch.

Capnography as the graphical representation of the expiratory carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, is an essential component of monitoring of every ventilated patient, in addition to pulse oximetry. Capnography demonstrates the kinetics of CO2 in a noninvasive way and in real time. In the daily routine anesthesia, it mainly serves for identification of the correct intubation and adaptation of the respiratory minute volume to be applied; however, capnography can also provide much more far-reaching and clinically particularly valuable information, especially in the form of volumetric capnography (VCap) that is not yet so widely clinically available. These include monitoring and optimization of ventilation and assessment of gas exchange. This article presents parameters for making decisions at the bedside, which could previously only be obtained by extensive, more invasive, nonautomated procedures.

[Foundations of Volumetric capnography : Principles of monitoring of metabolism and hemodynamics]. / Grundlagen der Volumetrischen Kapnographie : Prinzipien der Überwachung von Stoffwechsel und Hämodynamik.

Capnography is the graphical representation of the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in expired air. Using this monitoring procedure, the kinetics of CO2 of mechanically ventilated patients can be assessed in a noninvasive way and in real time. This article highlights the importance, particularly of volumetric capnography (VCap), for clinical monitoring of mechanically ventilated patients. The procedure provides important information on the breathing, ventilation, metabolism and hemodynamics of patients.