Sample-hold technique for analysis of respiratory gas composition at high breathing frequencies

A gas sampling device is described for continuous monitoring of respiratory gas composition that is applicable to experimental conditions when the breathing frequency is very high (greater than 2 Hz) and the response time of conventional gas analyzers becomes a critical limiting factor. The system utilizes the principle of discontinuous gas collection at any selected point of the respiratory cycle facilitated by ultraspeed piezoelectric valves and includes provision for sample-hold characteristics. Two distinct modes of operation are supported. In phase-locked mode gas sampling is synchronous with breathing frequency. In scanning mode gas collection is asynchronous with breathing frequency. Phase-locked mode may be used for continuous monitoring of end-tidal gas concentrations, whereas scanning mode is intended for assessing the gas concentration profile throughout the respiratory cycle. The system may be applied to steady breathing encountered in mechanical ventilation at high frequency or during quasi-steady breathing observed in panting animals. Combined with a respiratory mass spectrometer, the system has been used for measurement of gas concentrations in alveolar gas mixtures at breathing frequencies ranging from 3 to 30 Hz that were otherwise not amenable to rapid measuring techniques.