In this technique expired CO 2 is plotted against exhaled lung volume. Separation of the components requires simultaneous measurement of volume and CO 2 by what is called volumetric capnography (Vcap). Īlthough simple to apply, standard time-based capnography does not allow identification of the volume components of the signal, which is necessary for determination of the anatomical source of CO 2 and understanding the pathological processes. This creates a slight delay between collection and gas analysis.

In the side-stream technique gas is continuously aspirated from the primary airway through a sampling line that is placed between the patient and the Y-piece of the ventilator. In the mainstream approach the infrared light source and sensor are placed in the primary airflow tube so that expired gas is sampled directly during expiration and the CO 2 signal is in-phase with the air-flow and pressure signals. Expired CO 2 can be obtained by sampling either mainstream or side-stream expiratory flow. Time-based capnography refers to the elimination of CO 2 over time and gives an indication of ventilation inefficiency. Capnography is the measurement of expired PCO 2. When CO 2 production and total ventilation (VE) are constant, arterial PCO 2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) increases in proportion to the increase in VD.

Ventilation dead space (VD) refers to the parts of the lung and airways that do not partake in the clearance of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and indicates the inefficient portion of ventilation.

Bohr method physiologic dead space