[Respiratory mass spectrometer in the intensive care unit. Possibilities of application (author's transl)].

The respiratory mass spectrometer has now reached such a high degree of technical perfection, that the instrument can be used in the intensive care unit without any problems. Simultaneous and continuous analysis of respiratory and non-respiratory gases is possible. Thus a great amount of informations concerning the respiratory situation of patients can be obtained noninvasively. Simple monitoring of respiratory gases as well as lung function analysis can be performed. Problems in the field of mechanical ventilation can be solved more effectively with the help of the instrument.