[Foundations of Volumetric capnography : Principles of monitoring of metabolism and hemodynamics].

Capnography is the graphical representation of the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in expired air. Using this monitoring procedure, the kinetics of CO2 of mechanically ventilated patients can be assessed in a noninvasive way and in real time. This article highlights the importance, particularly of volumetric capnography (VCap), for clinical monitoring of mechanically ventilated patients. The procedure provides important information on the breathing, ventilation, metabolism and hemodynamics of patients.