Resistance of Colorimetric Carbon Dioxide Detectors Commonly Utilized in Neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Resuscitation
• Respiratory Mechanics
• Medical Device Evaluation

Background:

• Colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) detectors are vital for airway management in neonatal resuscitation.
• Manufacturer data on device resistance is often incomplete, necessitating independent evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare the resistance of commonly used colorimetric ETCO2 detectors and mainstream capnograph sensors.
• To establish a reference range for device resistance using endotracheal tubes.

Main Methods:

• Compared resistance of 3 colorimetric ETCO2 devices and 2 mainstream capnograph sensors.
• Measured resistance at flow rates of 1-10 L/min using a differential pressure transducer.
• Calculated resistance as change in pressure over change in flow (cm H2O/L/s).

Main Results:

• Neo-StatCO2 exhibited significantly higher mean resistance than other ETCO2 devices.
• Resistance varied 6-fold between the least and most resistive colorimetric detectors.
• Neo-StatCO2 resistance at 10 L/min was comparable to a 3.0 mm endotracheal tube.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in resistance exist among ETCO2 detection devices used in neonatal resuscitation.
• Further research is required to assess the impact of device resistance on the work of breathing in premature infants, especially with mask CPAP.