Waveform capnography Version: Jan 2016

Why use capnography during resuscitation ? carbon dioxide (CO2) produced in the tissues CO2 transported from tissues in blood to lungs ventilation excretes CO2 through lungs

Why use capnography during resuscitation ? Measurement of end-tidal CO2 therefore requires: venous return (CO2 from tissues to heart) pulmonary blood flow (CO2 from heart to lungs) ventilation (effective movement of gas in and out of the lungs)

Role of waveform capnography during CPR confirmation of tracheal tube placement in the airway rate of ventilation quality of chest compressions ROSC during CPR guide to prognostication

Normal waveform capnography indicates rate of ventilation 11 breaths min-1

High quality CPR end-tidal CO2 > 15 mmHg consistent waveform

Chest compression provider tiring end-tidal CO2 value diminishing over time

Sudden increase in end-tidal CO2 return of spontaneous circulation

Persistently low end-tidal CO2 check quality of chest compressions check ventilation volume if persistent, may be a guide to prognosis

Waveform capnography during resuscitation patient is ventilated at 10 breaths min-1 and chest compressions (indicated by CPR) at about two per second significant increase in the end-tidal CO2 value during chest compressions at around 3.5 min, (from 10mmHg to 35-40 mmHg), cardiac monitor shows sinus rhythm and a pulse indicates ROSC. Ventilation continues at 10 min-1

Any questions ?

Advanced Life Support Course Slide set All rights reserved © Australian Resuscitation Council (June 2016)