Use of transcutaneous CO2 monitoring in adult anaesthesia

Background: Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring presents an opportunity for Paco2 measurement in the presence of inaccurate or absence end-tidal (ETCO2) monitoring. Whilst it is regularly used neonates to prevent frequent blood sampling, seldom adult anaesthesia intensive care medicine. We demonstrate three clinical examples using transcutaneous (TCM) where gas sampling ETCO2 was either unavailable considered unreliable. Our aim primarily assess accuracy, ease use, and suitability TCM provide estimate arterial partial pressure situations unavailable. Methods: Sentec Monitoring System1 cases Firstly, ear, nose, throat (ENT) case utilising ‘tubeless’ anaesthesia, secondly a patient requiring rigid bronchoscopy, thirdly thoracic one lung anaesthesia. Results: In all we found device useful, accurate which correlated with upward trend seen contemporaneous measurements. A significant limitation time calibration generation useable (kPa) value once probe had been applied. inconsistency result oxygen measurement. Conclusions: Capnography essential requirement during general not only confirmation tracheal intubation, but also monitor derangements carbon dioxide levels associated physiological sequelae.2 However, definitive airway reliable result, this challenge anaesthetists. While remains practice provided minimally invasive, easy consistent, estimation when compared samples. Further study could look at day bronchoscopies under sedation, especially post procedure correlation recovery from sedation street fitness. 1Transcutaneous (2022) Sentec. Available https://www.sentec.com/transcutaneous-monitoring/ (accessed 19 March 2023)2Kerslake I, Kelly F. BJA Educ 2017; 17: 178–83