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Encyclopedia of capnograms
Bhavani Shankar Kodali MD
A Normal Capnogram in adult
Capnograms in pregnancy
| Normal capnogram
Capnogram with increased phase III slope Capnogram with phase IV |
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Details |
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Capnograms in pediatrics
| Capnograms in infants and children can have the following format under normal circumstances due to faster respiratory rates, smaller tidal volumes, and relatively longer response time of capnographs (dispersion of gases in side-stream capnographs). Baseline can be elevated, with a prolongation of phase II, increase in the slope of phase III and prolongation of descending limb. Occasionally the alveolar plateau may be short- sine wave capnograms). | |
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Airway obtruction / Bronchospasm
| Phase II and phase III are prolonged |
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Ventilation
| Normal
Most commonly seen capnograms |
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| Spontaneous ventilation
Short alveolar plateau |
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| Hyperventilation
Baseline at zero, but height is reduced gradually |
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| Hypoventilation
Base line at zero, but height is increased gradually |
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| IMV ventilation
Note IMV breaths interposed with spontaneous ventilation |
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| Apnea
Self explanatory |
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Ripple effect – Cardiogenic Oscillations
| Ripples on the alveolar plateau and descending limb due to movement of gas in the airway as a result of cardiogenic oscillations |
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Curare Cleft
| A cleft on the alveolar plateau as result of the patient attempting to breath, suggesting recovery from muscle relaxants. This can also result from surgical manipulation of abdomen. |
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Curare Cleft as a result of partial disconnection of main stream CO2 sensor
| A cleft on the alveolar plateau as result of a partial disconnection at the main stream CO2 sensor has been reported by Tripathi et al (Anesthesiology 1998;88:1117-19) |
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