[Capnometry and capnography as safety factors in anesthesia].

Continuous measurement and monitoring of the expiratory carbon dioxide concentration can be performed with modern measurement devices routinely without any problem today. After a short introduction to measurement techniques the comprehensive monitoring possibilities of this method are described by multiple examples. No only actual disturbances of the ventilation, the circulation and the metabolism, but also malfunction or inadequate control of the anaesthesia machine can be recognized without substantial time delay. But an actual alteration of the CO2 value necessitates careful analysis of the underlying problem which is greatly facilitated by a graphic display of the CO2 signal, the capnogram. The knowledge of possibly occurring artificial alterations of the CO2 measurement, which are demonstrated too, prevents dangerous misinterpretations. By continuous measurement of the expiratory CO2 concentration, not only can the ventilation parameters be set optimally, but multiple life threatening complications can be detected very early and corrected immediately. Thus, this monitoring technique essentially contributes to the patients safety during anaesthesia.