[Monitoring respiratory mechanism and gas exchange in patients on respirators (side stream spirometry, capnography, oxigraphy, measurement of anesthetic agent concentration, pulse oximetry)].

Author describes the working principles of the side stream spirometry, capnography, oxygraphy, anaesthetic agent concentration measurement, pulse oximetry, all of them incorporated in a new type of monitor, as well as the informations obtained by using them, concerning lung mechanics and gas exchange. The graphic and digital data, provided by the monitor are visualizing the correlations among the components of lung mechanics and are helping in setting up optimal ventilatory parameters, both during anaesthesia and during ventilation in an intensive care unit. The monitor approaches gas exchange from several aspects, which enhances the judgement of the efficacy of ventilation.