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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
The mechanisms of carbon monoxide production by inhalational agents
M J Coppens1, L F M Versichelen, G Rolly
1Department of Anaesthesia, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, b-9000, Ghent, Belgium. marc.coppens@UGent.be
Abstract:
Carbon monoxide can be formed when volatile anaesthetic agents such as desflurane and sevoflurane are used with anaesthetic breathing systems containing carbon dioxide absorbents. This review describes the possible chemical processes involved and summarises the experimental and clinical evidence for the generation of carbon monoxide. We emphasise the different conditions that were used in the experimental work, and explain some of the features of the clinical reports. Finally, we provide guidelines for the prevention and detection of this complication.
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