Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Determination of Cardiac Output in a Porcine Model for Ex Vivo Pulmonary Perfusion
Published on: June 28, 2024
[Correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and cardiac output during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary
Karina Takesaki Miyaji1, Roberto Iara Buscati, Antônio José Arraiz Rodriguez
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo.
Background And Objectives:
End-tidal carbon dioxide (P ET CO2) not only reflects pulmonary ventilation but also carbon dioxide production (metabolism) and pulmonary blood supply (circulation). During constant metabolism and ventilation, P ET CO2 reflects pulmonary blood perfusion, thus cardiac output (CO). This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between P ET CO2 levels and CO during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Methods:
Participated in this study 25 patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with CPB. End-tidal CO2 monitoring started after tracheal intubation. Cardiac output was determined by thermodilution with pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz). Carbon dioxide partial blood pressure (PaCO2) was obtained with arterial blood gases analysis. Studied parameters were evaluated in the following moments: immediately after general anesthesia induction, before cardiopulmonary bypass, at cardiopulmonary bypass completion and at surgery completion.
Results:
Statistical analysis has not shown correlation between P ET CO2 and CO2, or between P ET CO2-PaCO2 gradient (Ga-eCO2) and CO. There has been correlation between P ET CO2, Ga-eCO2 and CO values variation as compared to baseline values before CPB, with loss of correlation after CPB until surgery completion.
Conclusions:
In this study, where patients submitted to cardiac surgery with CPB were evaluated, ventilation/perfusion changes throughout the procedure might have been the factors determining decreased correlation between cardiac output and end tidal CO2.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume
In an average resting adult male, the typical cardiac output averages...
Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

