What is the difference between sidestream and mainstream capnography

The gas that is withdrawn from the patients often contains anesthetic gases and so the exhausted gas from the capnograph should be routed to a gas scavenger or returned to the patient breathing system. The optimal gas flow is considered to be ml. In the mainstream capnograph, a sample cell or cuvette airway adapter is inserted directly in the airway between the breathing circuit and the endotracheal tube.

A lightweight infrared sensor is then attached to the airway adapter. The sensor emits infrared light through the adapter windows to a photodetector typically located on the other side of the airway adapter.

The light which reaches the photodetector is used to measure ETCO 2. Mainstream technology eliminates the need for gas sampling and scavenging as the measurement is made directly in the airway. This sampling technique results in crisper waveforms which reflect real-time ETCO 2 in the patient airway.

To prevent condensation of water vapor, which if not compensated for can cause falsely high CO 2 readings, the mainstream sensor is heated to slightly above body temperature. This heating process helps keep the windows of the airway adapter clear so the sensor can tolerate high moisture environments. New mainstream sensors use circuitry, which limits the power delivered so the sensor never reaches a temperature high enough to cause even redness of the skin eliminating the concern of patient burns.

There have been many advances in mainstream technology over the years. Older generation mainstream analyzers have had the reputation of being fragile, bulky and heavy which put traction on the ET tube and made them prone to breakage.

New generation mainstream sensor design addresses many of these issues. They are smaller and weigh less than 80 grams 2. A variety of single patient use airway adapters are available eliminating the issue of sterilization or cross contamination.

In addition, low deadspace versions which add less than 0. In summary, recent technological advances have overcome some of earlier disadvantages of main stream sensors to match side stream sensors in terms of weight and size. Kalenda Z. Meditech Equipment Co. Product s described may not be licensed or available for sale in all countries. The symbol indicates the trademark is registered.

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