Evaluation of an expired fraction carbon dioxide monitor

Respiratory monitoring is an important aspect of critical care, especially in neurosurgery and neuro-intensive care. Fixed capnographs are too cumbersome to allow monitoring during patient transport. Recently several portable expired fraction carbon dioxide devices have been developed, but no evaluation of their clinical peformance has been reported. We compared the Criticare POET LT Handheld expired fraction carbon dioxide monitor, in three different settings, to fixed capnographs and arterial blood gas analysis. A methodology for systematic appraisal of end-tidal capnographs is proposed.