Capnographic Parameters in Ventilated Patients: Correspondence with Airway and Lung Tissue Mechanics

Abstract

In mechanically ventilated patients, the capnographic parameters from the early phase of expiration (SII and D2min) are linked to the pulmonary elastic recoil, whereas the effect of airway patency on SIII dominates over the lung tissue stiffness. However, severe deterioration in lung resistance or elastance affects both capnogram slopes.