EtCO
2
- 1
END-TIDAL CARBON DIOXIDE (EtCO
2
)
General Information
Product Description
M Series
™
units, equipped with software revision 38.25 or higher, and M Series CCT units, equipped with software
revision 57.50 or higher, support two End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO
2
) monitoring options for the continuous
measurement of respiratory carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and respiration rate. These options use the same connector on the
M Series unit and may be used interchangeably.
The first option uses a unique mainstream, solid-state infrared sensor called the CAPNOSTAT® 3 Mainstream CO
2
sensor. The CAPNOSTAT 3 sensor is attached to an airway adapter that connects to an endotracheal (ET) tube or
other airway and measures gases flowing through these breathing circuit components. A disposable mouthpiece may
be connected to the adapter for monitoring non-intubated patients. A Capno
2
mask is also available for use with non-
intubated patients. This option provides for O
2
delivery while monitoring expired CO
2
.
The second option is a sidestream sampling system called the LoFlo™ Sidestream CO
2
Module. The LoFlo module
contains a gas sampling pump, which draws small samples of gas from the patient’s airway via a nasal/oral cannula or
airway adapter, and passes these gases through a solid state infrared sensor (located away from the patient’s airway)
that measures CO
2
. While the sidestream system is typically used on non-intubated patients, it can also be used for
EtCO
2
measurement on intubated infant, pediatric, and adult patients. The sidestream system should not be used,
however, on intubated patients who cannot tolerate the 50ml/min removal of the sample gases from their breathing
circuit. The sidestream module uses specially designed sampling cannulae and airway adapters for sampling airway
gases and passing them through an integrated sample cell, which connects to the LoFlo Module’s CO
2
sensor. These
cannulae incorporate a filter and sample cell, providing maximum filtration of fluids and contaminants, and protecting
the system from aspiration of these fluids.
In both systems, the CO
2
sensor generates infrared light and beams it through the airway adapter or sample cell to a
detector on the opposite side. CO
2
from the patient, flowing through the mainstream airway adapter or aspirated into
the sample cell, absorbs some of this infrared energy. The M Series
unit determines CO
2
concentration in the breathing
gases by measuring the amount of light absorbed by gases flowing through the airway or sample cell.
The M Series
unit displays EtCO
2
(
the concentration of carbon dioxide detected at the end of each exhalation) as a
numerical value in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), percent (%), or kilopascals (kPa). In addition, the unit can display a
capnogram waveform. This waveform is a valuable clinical tool that can be used to assess patient airway integrity and
proper endotracheal (ET) tube placement. The unit calculates respiration rate by measuring the time interval between
detected peaks of the CO
2
waveform. The technology differentiates between waveforms caused by breathing and
those caused by cardiogenic oscillations and artifact.
How to Use This Manual
This section explains how to set up and use the M Series
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide option. Important safety
information relating to general use of the M Series
End Tidal Carbon Dioxide monitor appears in the “Safety
Considerations” section of this manual.
The
M Series Operator’s Guide
provides information operators need for the safe and effective use and care of the
M Series
unit. It is important that persons using this device read and understand all the information contained therein.
Please thoroughly read both safety considerations and warnings sections before operating your M Series unit.
All CAPNOSTAT 3, LoFlo, airway adapter and cannula questions with regards to the Declaration of Conformity with
European Union Directives should be directed to the authorized representative for Respironics Novametrix LLC:
Respironics Novametrix LLC
Authorized European Contact
Respironics Deutschland
Gewerbestrasse 17
82211 Herrsching
Germany
+49 8152 93060
