1 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
A
key to obtaining
an accurate end-
tidal CO
2
measure-
ment and quality wave-
forms with any capnograph
is the placement of the
sampling line. Here's a
quick do-it-yourself idea to
obtain more reliable
capnography readings.
You'll also save on supply
costs because you can
reuse the sampling line.
Instead of sticking the end
of the tubing under the
mask near the patient's
mouth or nose (as seen in
the bottom photo), where
it's likely to touch the
patient and be soiled by saliva, keep a pair of scissors handy and cut an
opening in the face mask just above the oxygen delivery tubing. As seen
in the top photo, it should be a small snip at the most anterior part of the
mask, about twice the width of the tubing end piece. Then insert the
tube and gently pull it taut. Along with providing more reliable readings,
the tube will stay away from the patient's nose and mouth, which will let
you re-use it without worrying about contamination.
Melissa Cady, DO
Westlake Anesthesia Group
Cleaner Capnography With More Stability
Ideas Work
P r a c t i c a l p e a r l s f r o m y o u r c o l l e a g u e s
That
• CAPNOGRAPHY Instead of sticking the end-tidal CO
2
sampling line
under the mask (below), cut a small hole in the most anterior part of the
facemask and insert the tube through it, as illustrated in the top photo.
Melissa
Cady,
DO
Austin, Texas
doctorcady@gmail.com
