Hemodynamic applications of capnography.

The measurement of the pressure of exhaled carbon dioxide (PetCO2) via capnography has several useful hemodynamic applications. This article discusses integrating PetCO2 values with hemodynamic assessment. Capnography can be applied to hemodynamic assessment in three key ways: (1) identification of end-expiration during pulmonary artery and central venous pressure measurements, (2) assessment of pulmonary perfusion and alveolar deadspace, (3) assessment of cardiopulmonary resuscitative efforts. The article presents research, sample waveforms for end-expiration identification, and case examples.