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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
IDEAS
That Work
C
ataract extractions usual-
ly involve covering the
patient with a full-length
drape that exposes only the
operative eye. These cases are
often performed under IV seda-
tion, which obligates us anesthe-
sia providers to closely monitor
respiratory status. Nowadays,
we often use capnography and
measure the end-tidal CO
2
via a
specialized nasal cannula. But
the patient's exhaled CO
2
tends
to accumulate under the surgi-
cal drape. This accumulation
can result in "re-breathing" and
inaccurate CO
2
readings, espe-
cially inhaled CO
2
readings, on
the capnograph. This inhaled level of CO
2
is often above the limit set
on most gas monitors and can cause alarms to sound repeatedly. I
came up with an easy way to eliminate accumulated CO
2
under the
surgical drape:
• Connect a suction tubing to continuous low suction.
• Clip it to the patient's gown in the chest area.
• To prevent occlusion, place a small paper or plastic cup on the end
of the tubing.
Charles A. DeFrancesco, MD
Delmont Surgery Center
SUCTION OUT CO
2
The suction setup that will end up under
the cataract patient's drape and remove the accumulated CO
2
.
CATARACTS + CAPNOGRAPHY
Avoid Inaccurate CO
2
Capnography Readings
Greensburg, Pa.
napman@comcast.net
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