The Influence of CO ₂ Production and Physiological Deadspace on End-Tidal CO ₂ During Controlled Ventilation: A Study Using a Mechanical Model

Abstract

A mechanical lung model was used to investigate the effect of varying carbon dioxide production and deadspace on the end-tidal carbon dioxide levels achieved during mechanical ventilation when using the Bain, Humphrey ADE, and circle systems. Both factors had significant influence on end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration and could result in values in excess of those considered acceptable in clinical practice. The implications of the results are discussed.