Intrathoracic Airway Closure Impacts CO ₂ Signal and Delivered Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

During chest compressions, intrathoracic airway patency greatly affects the delivered ventilation. The expired CO₂ signal can reflect CPR effectiveness but is also dependent on airway patency. The maximal EtCO₂ recorded between consecutive ventilator breaths best reflects alveolar CO₂.