Pulse Oximetry & Capnography Ray Taylor Valencia Community College Department of Emergency Medical Services Notice All rights reserved. Slide show used with permission only for the purposes of educating emergency medical providers (EMTs and Paramedics) No portion of this presentation may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means (including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying etc.) without prior written permission from the author CAPNOGRAPHY IS THE VITAL SIGN FOR VENTILATION (what we should evaluate) OXIMETRY IS THE VITAL SIGN FOR OXYGENTATION (what we have historically used) Capnography Definition: – Noninvasive measurement of the partial pressure of C02 in exhaled air – Provides instantaneous information about Ventilation – How effectively C02 is being eliminated by the pulmonary system Perfusion – How effectively C02 is being transported through the vascular system Metabolism – How effectively C02 is being produced by cellular metabolism Physiology Review The fundamental purpose of ventilation and circulation is to supply O2 to the tissues’ cells and to remove CO2. The conducting airways (from the nasal/oral cavities extending to the smallest bronchioles) serve as a conduit for gas exchange between the atmosphere and the cells. – This portion of the respiratory system is referred to as “anatomic dead space,” because no gas exchange occurs there. – On average, 30% of inspired tidal volume is “dead”. Respiration (gas exchange) occurs in the alveoli. Physiology Review All cells produce CO2 as a metabolic byproduct of the oxidative breakdown of fuels. – Factors such as body temperature, exercise and nutrition affect the amount of CO2 produced. CO2 easily diffuses out of the cells and into the vasculature, where it is carried back to the right side of the heart and on to the pulmonary system - to the pulmonary capillaries surrounding the alveoli. Physiology Review As ambient, nearly CO2-free air is drawn into each alveolus during inspiration, the CO2 in the blood diffuses across the capillary and alveolar walls into the alveolar space. Normally, one pass of the blood through the alveolar capillary bed allows the partial pressures of CO2 in the alveoli and the arterial blood to nearly equalize. Respiratory Physiology CO2 O 2CO2 CO2 Blood from right side of heart (low in O,2 high in CO)2 Aveolus O2 O 2 CO2 CO2 . Capillary Red blood cells Blood to left side of heart Reoxygenated blood (high in O,2 low in CO)2 Exhalation Exhalation can be divided into 3 phases: – Phase 1: Expiration from dead bronchiolar space – no CO2 yet exhaled – Phase 2: Mixture of dead space air + alveolar CO2 reaches the mouth Known as alveolar washout and recruitment – Phase 3: Nearly pure, CO2-rich alveolar air is exhaled Called the alveolar plateau End-tidal CO2 The peak partial pressure of CO2 during exhalation (the highest level of expired CO2 reached during exhalation) is known as the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2). – Normally occurs at the end of the alveolar plateau EtCO2 is a reflection of alveolar ventilation, CO2 production and pulmonary blood flow. – Can be thought of as the blood pressure of metabolism End-tidal CO2 In healthy people, the EtCO2 is within 5 mmHg of the partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2). – Normal values of both are between 35-45 mmHg. 4.5% – 6 % Normal Endtidal CO2 Normal 35-45 mmHg Waveform reflects how close numerical value is to actual end tidal volume Square = GOOD Hump = BAD Depth = Height Pulse Oximetry The pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that measures the oxygen saturation of your patient’s blood. The pulse oximeter consists of a probe attached to the patient's finger or ear lobe which is linked to a computerized unit. How does a Pulse Oximeter work? The probe directs two lights (one red, one infrared) through tissue (finger, earlobe, etc.) The lights are absorbed differently depending on oxygen attached to hemoglobin molecule The result is a measurement of the patient’s oxygen saturation on the hemoglobin molecule Function of Pulse Oximeter Determines delivery of oxygen to peripheral tissues Measures the oxygen saturation of your patient’s blood Helps to quantify the effectiveness of your interventions – oxygen therapy, medications, suctioning, BVM Indications A depressed respiratory drive (e.g., narcotic overdose) An increased resistance in the respiratory airways (e.g., asthma) A reduced capacity of the blood to transport oxygen (e.g., shock, anemia) All patients (additional vital sign) SaO2 v. SpO2 PaO2 is actual amount of oxygen dissolved in arterial blood – measured by blood gases – expressed in mmHg SaO2 is percentage of hemoglobin saturated by oxygen – measured by blood gases – expressed in percentage SpO2 is percentage of hemoglobin saturated by oxygen – measured by pulse oximeter – expressed in percentage Normal Pulse Oximetry Readings Normal lab values range between 95-100% Readings between 93% and 97% may be normal for some patients (COPD) Oxygen (at minimum) should be applied for readings below 90% Pitfalls of the Pulse Oximeter Certain medical conditions can alter the machines interpretation, and give false readings Certain environmental conditions can also produce false reading In the following situations the pulse oximeter readings may not be accurate: A reduction in peripheral pulsatile blood flow produced by peripheral vasoconstriction (hypovolemia, severe hypotension, cold, cardiac failure, some cardiac arrhythmias) or peripheral vascular disease. The presence of methemoglobin will prevent the oximeter from working accurately and the readings will tend towards 85%, regardless of the true saturation. In the following situations the pulse oximeter readings may not be accurate: Carboxyhemoglobin( hemoglobin combined with carbon monoxide [COHb]) is lumped in with oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), thus producing incorrect readings. A person could have 15% COHb on board (or more), plus 80% O2Hb, but the pulseOx reading would still be 95% saturation. Pulse Oximetry v. Capnography Oxygenation is measured by pulse oximetry Ventilation is measured and monitored with capnography Comparison of Capnograhy and Oximetry Capnographs and pulse oximeters present different views of the same cardiopulmonary processes. Oximeters measure saturated hemoglobin in peripheral blood and provide additional information about the adequacy of lung perfusion and oxygen delivery to the tissues. – Many sources recommend monitoring both SpO2 and EtCO2 on intubated and non-intubated patients. However, pulse oximetry is a late indicator of O2 supply, and is less sensitive than capnography. It does not afford a complete picture of ventilatory status. Comparison Accurate pulse oximetry measurement is dependent upon adequate peripheral perfusion and may be unreliable in patients who have compromised peripheral circulation. Capnography continuously and nearly instantaneously measures pulmonary ventilation and is able to rapidly detect small changes in cardio-respiratory function before oximeter readings change. Healthy patients can maintain SaO2 > 90% for minutes even with inadequate ventilation. Terminology Capnos = smoke Capnometer = number (EtCO2) Capnograph = number + digitized signal Capnography (Quantitative EtCO2 Detectors) Capnography is a form of noninvasive monitoring of the end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels in the patient’s exhaled breath. Capnography refers to a unit that displays both a numeric EtCO2 value and a CO2 waveform (capnograph). Definitions Capnography is the measurement of exhaled CO2 Capnometer gives a numerical or quantitative (precise) measurement of exhaled CO2 Capnograph gives both a numerical reading of exhaled CO2 plus a tracing End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) is the measurement of CO2 at the end of exhalation Cardiac ECG Pulmonary ECG Oxygenation and Ventilation Oxygen -> lungs -> alveoli -> blood Oxygen breath CO2 lungs muscles + organs Oxygen CO2 energy blood CO2 cells Oxygen + Glucose Phase I (A-B) Dead Space Ventilation Represents the beginning of exhalation where the dead space is cleared from the upper airway C A B I D E Phase II Ascending Phase (B – C) Represents the rapid rise in C02 concentration in the breath stream as the C02 from the alveoli reaches the upper airway C A B II D E Phase III Alveolar Plateau(C-D) Represents the C02 concentration reaching a uniform level in the entire breath stream from alveolus to the nose. C D III A B E End-Tidal CO2 Point D represents the maximum C02 concentration at the end of the tidal breath (Appropriately named end-tidal C02). This is the number that appears on the monitor C A B D End-Tidal E Phase IV (D-E) Descending Phase-Inspiratory Limb Represents the inspiratory cycle C A B D IV E Normal CO2 Waveform Normal CO2 Waveform How does Capnography work? The most common technologies utilize infrared (IR) spectroscopy Measures the absorption of wavelengths of IR light by CO2 molecules as the IR light passes through a gas sample The amount of IR light that is absorbed reflects the amount of CO2 present and electronically calculates a value Mainstream/Sidestream The value that we are most interested in occurs at the point of maximum exhalation and is known as the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) Clinical Application of ETC02 Verification of endotracheal tube placement Continuous monitoring of tube location during transport Gauging the effectiveness of resuscitiation and prognosis during cardiac arrest Titrating EtC02 levels in patients with suspected increases in intracranial pressure Determining prognosis in trauma Determining adequacy of ventilation Physiology of Capnography During cellular respiration, small amounts of CO2 are excreted via exhalation When no cellular respiration is occurring, even if ventilation is, there will be no CO2 exhaled – In poor perfusion states (cardiac arrest) no CO2 is transported to the lungs to be exhaled, so a low reading will occur – In poor ventilation states (hypoventilation) CO2 is retained, so a high reading will occur ETT Algorithm According to the AHA, in the prehospital setting, unrecognized misplacement of tracheal tubes has been reported in as many as 25% (Katz and Falk, 2001) of patients. In an effort to protect against unrecognized esophageal intubations, current AHA training programs strongly recommend that CO2 detection devices be placed on all intubated patients. ET Tube Verification (It can be harder than we think) RSI Inexperience Facial Trauma Blood Syringe/Bulb Trachlight Infant/child Auscultation I just know Combitube Seizures Movement Experience Short/fat neck Vomitus Recreational Drugs Mucus Confirmation of ET Tube Placement Data confirm that physical assessment procedures to confirm ET tube placement can be misleading. – Movement of air through the esophagus may be difficult to differentiate breath sounds, and may create chest rise. – Breath sounds and/or normal chest wall expansion may be difficult to confirm in victims with traumatic thoracic injury. – Lung sounds can be transmitted to the epigastrium in peds – Misting appears in a high % of esophageally-placed ET tubes. – Difficult to confidently confirm ET tube placement in patients with severe bronchoconstriction. – Unvisualized nasal ET tubes may be difficult to confirm. Intubation The ETT algorithm should effectively eliminate the possibility of an esophageal intubation from going undetected. It includes a: Physiologic method (ET CO2 detection) Clinical method (auscultation) Colorimetric CO2 (Qualitative EtCO2 Detectors) When gas exchange from proper BVM or ET ventilation is adequate, small amounts of CO2 are excreted from the patient via exhalation. If a sufficient concentration of CO2 is detected, the color strip will change from purple to tan to yellow. The yellow color indicates adequate ventilation and good air exchange. Colorimetric CO2 Uses litmus paper that changes color when it comes in contact with CO2 Will not change color if no CO2 is flowing across paper Color strip will change from purple to tan to yellow Color can change from breath to breath The yellow color indicates adequate ventilation and good air exchange Fun Facts about Colorimetric Devices A Range (Purple): <4 mmHg EtCO2 0.03% to < 0.5% EtCO2 B Range (Tan): 4 to <15 mmHg EtCO2 0.5% to < 2% EtCO2 C Range (Yellow): 15 to 38 mmHg EtCO2 2% to 5% EtCO2 Evaluate color of device after 6 full breaths. – This allows any CO2 in the stomach (produced by the ingestion of certain beverages and medications, or by expired air bagged into the stomach prior to intubation) to be blown off. – Inaccurate if contaminated with secretions, blood, emesis, acidic meds, etc. Pitfalls of the Colorimetric CO2 Detection Devices Cannot provide a specific CO2 value Susceptible to failure if litmus paper is contaminated with body fluids (airway secretions, vomit, etc.) Has limited time value (normally <2 hours Subject to expiration (usually 2 years) Six ventilations are necessary prior to interpretation in cardiac arrest patient to ensure potential residual CO2 has been removed Indications for Capnography All intubated patients – colorimetric capnometer – electronic capnographer AHA, NAEMSP, ACEP all mandate use of secondary devices to confirm tube placement All critical care patients Waveform Displays (Quantitative Device) The waveform (capnograph) provides a graph measured in time of the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the respiratory cycle. By interpreting the waveform we can make a number of assumptions about the clinical stability of a patient and the effectiveness of intervention. Capnography The waveform is divided into 4 phases. Phases I, II and III occur during, and reflect, the three phases of exhalation. Phase IV occurs during, and reflects, inspiration. Capnogram: Phase I Phase I occurs during exhalation of air from the anatomic dead space, which normally contains no CO2. This part of the curve is normally flat, providing a steady baseline. Capnogram: Phase II Phase II occurs during alveolar washout and recruitment, with a mixture of dead space and alveolar air being exhaled. Phase II normally consists of a steep upward slope. Capnogram: Phase III Phase III is the alveolar plateau, with expired gas coming from the alveoli. In patients with normal respiratory mechanics, this portion of the curve is flat, with a gentle upward slope. The highest point on this slope represents the EtCO2 value. Capnogram: Phase IV Atmospheric air contains negligible amounts of CO2. Phase IV occurs during inspiration, where the EtCO2 level normally drops rapidly to zero. – Unless CO2 is present in the inspired air, as occurs when expired air is rebreathed This part of the waveform is a steep, downward slope. Phases of ventilation Normal capnography Capnography Waveform Patterns 45 Normal 0 45 Hyperventilation 0 45 Hypoventilation 0 Apnea/Esophageal Intubation Prolonged cardiac arrest with diffuse cellular death Tracheal placement with inadequate pulmonary blood flow (poor chest compressions) ETT obstruction Complete airway obstruction distal to the ETT (eg, foreign body) Technical malfunction of the monitor or tubing Tracheal Intubation Esophageal Intubation No capnography reading (waveform plus or EtCO2 detection) via your BVM, you are not in. “Full waveform is essential” Unsuccessful Intubation Comparison Capnograph The tube has been extubated and is no longer in the trachea Remove at once!! LMA with Capnography Abnormal Tracings Rebreathing Cause: – Breathing in a mixture of both oxygen and carbon dioxide (think rebreather mask) Abnormal Traces Sloping Plateau Cause: – Obstructive airway disease, because of impairment of V/Q ratio. CO2 Waveforms Normal Bronchospasm Trending is Key to monitoring Respiratory Failure Acute exacerbation of COPD Asthma Pneumonia CHF Respiratory Muscle Fatigue Hypoventilation Syndromes IS THE PATIENT RESPONDING TO THERAPY OR NOT? Trending Trending of capnography provides a continuous view of the patient’s ventilatory status Early detection allows for early intervention Trending is a simple tool that does not stress an already failing system Video versus Snapshot Phases of Asthma Hyperventilation – mild Tiring – moderate Tired – severe Phases of Asthma Severe Moderate 50+ 40 40 mmHg 25-30 Mild Normal EtCO2 Trending 6 55 0 50 50 50 45 40 Using Capnography in Asthma Diagnoses presence of bronchospasm – Waveform Assesses severity of Asthma – EtCO2 trends Gauges response to treatment – EtCO2 trends COPD Baseline CO2 is higher – > 50mm Hg Follow CO2 trends to: –Establish baseline –Track response to treatment COPD Determine who is a CO2 retainer – EtCO2 trends COPD vs. CHF – Waveform Hypoventilation States Altered mental status 45 Abnormal breathing Hypoventilation Hypoventilation States Sedation Analgesia ETOH intoxication Drug Ingestion Postictal states Head trauma Meningitis Encephalitis Abnormal Traces Cardiac Oscillations Cause: – Cardiac impulses transmitted to capnograph Abnormal Traces “Curare cleft” Cause: – Asynchronous spontaneous breathing in an intubated patient With a poor to nonexistent waveform, the endotracheal tube is likely in the esophagus, though consider other possible causes, such as airway disconnection, ventilator failure, cardiac arrest (especially with poor BLS) or decompensated shock. Remember, if no CO2 is being exhaled, then no waveform or numerical reading will be displayed. 60 30 0 What could a poor or non-existent wave form indicate? Case Study #1 32 yo 90 kg female presents in acute respiratory distress Cyanotic, short word sentencing Respiratory rate is shallow and labored at 24 Expiratory phase is prolonged due to gas trapping Heart rate of 140, strong and bounding at the radial BP 170/88 Patient is clutching her Albuterol inhaler (self-administered 15 puffs prior to your arrival) ETC02 value was beginning to rise EtC02: 52 mmHg Treatment BLS assisted ventilations via Bag Valve Mask with 100% O2 Epinephrine 1:1000 SQ admin Paramedic prepares for nasal intubation Patient Arrests As the nasal tube is being advanced, patient arrests Paramedic pushes the tube in anyway, but it is found to be in the esophagus Tube immediately withdrawn Tube Confirmation Cords visualized during intubation Patient is successfully intubated orally Auscultation reveals no discernible breath sounds anterior chest wall Abdominal auscultation is equally silent Minimal chest rise Positive misting and condensation in the tube Bulb aspirated syringe flows free-air What is the next step? Auscultation doesn't really help SpO2 is not reading (before or after) Remains difficult to ventilate – What other tool can you use to confirm the placement of the tube? – What else could be going on with this patient? – Are we 100% sure we are in the trachea? YES!!! We have an ETCO2 EtC02=22 mm Hg Case Study #2: Cardiac Arrest 42 year old 90 kg, male, involved in motorcycle vs. truck MVA. The patient is pinned under vehicle on highway approx. 8 min from local hospital •Rapid extrication performed from underneath truck •Pt. is unresponsive with weak, irregular carotid at 150bpm, and agonal respirations weak carotid •Patient becomes pulseless and apneic, BLS/CPR is initiated After intubation, the EtC02 read 25 and then dropped to 0 when the patient was moved Corresponding waveform C02 before the patient was moved After the patient was moved Where is the tube???? Provider checked the number at the lip – It had not changed Listened to Breath Sounds – They were less audible The EtC02 was 25, then dropped to 0 – Normal EtC02 is between 35 to 45 mm Hg The Endotracheal tube was removed and the patient was reintubated Corresponding waveform CO2 now back up to 25mmHg Case Study #3 A 12 year old boy presented in acute respiratory failure with copious secretions and was successfully orally intubated and placed on a ventilator. The patient remained obtunded, cyanotic and had little airway movement on auscultation. Presentation Unconscious & unresponsive Respiration's unassisted remain agonal Heart rate of 136 strong and regular at the radial Blood Pressure 138/56 ETCO2 32 mm HG What does this waveform show? A slow upstroke and incomplete emptyingWhat could you do therapeutically? Answer: The patient was suctioned and given a bronchodilator treatment What does this waveform show? Answer: The waveform shows less obstruction and more of an alveolar plateau = improved air movement Case Study # 4 70 year old 60 kg female, status post cardiac arrest resuscitation by EMS She was resuscitated in the field and now being transported to hospital. Enroute Pt. is unconscious & unresponsive (orally intubated and on a vent) Vital Signs No spontaneous respirations BP 76/palpated Heart rate is palpable only at the carotid at 136 weak and irregular Cardiac monitor reveals Sinus Arrhythmia with multi-focal PVC's and couplets As you are debating Dopamine you notice a change... EtC02 drops from 30 to 18 mm Hg Patient’s perfusion decreases more………….CO2 drops further Now unable to palpate a carotid pulse CPR is Initiated CPR was continued and palpable pulses with compressions were present. The improved waveform: Cardiac compressions were stopped and the patient was found to be in ventricular fibrillation Attempt at defibrillation was unsuccessful Repeat defibrillation The patient is converted to normal sinus rhythm. Simple use of EtC02: Capnography can be a useful tool in determining the effectiveness of pulmonary perfusion during a cardiac arrest. CO2 Relationship to Cardiac Output In cardiac arrest and other low cardiac output states, the patient’s capnography will be lower than normal. Evaluation of Efficacy of CPR Patients in cardiopulmonary arrest produce no EtCO2. During CPR (given a normal blood volume), effective chest compressions circulate enough blood to return CO2 from the tissue cells to the pulmonary circuit. Combined with effective ventilations, providers will be see improved EtCO2 values – most likely lowerthan-normal levels. – “EtCO2 concentration varies directly with pulmonary and systemic blood flows under conditions of constant minute ventilation. This relationship holds true even during extremely low blood flow rates.” Ann Emer Med, 3/1994, 23:3, p. 571 ETCO2 is also an indication of successful resuscitation Sanders et al, 1989 JAMA noted a threshold for survival of ETCO2 >10 mmhg Successful = 15 (+/-) 4 Unsuccessful = 7 (=/-) 5 Cardiac Arrest/Successful Resuscitation Predicting ROSC in Arrest Studies have shown a correlation with EtCO2 levels during a code and ROSC. Annals of Emerg Med, June, 1995, 25:6, pages 756-761 EtCO2 values can predict non-resuscitatable patients. We may see the development of protocols utilizing EtCO2 values in conjunction with the terminating rhythm to determine calling codes in the field. – Most sources cite an EtCO2 value of 10 mmHg or less as an appropriate and predictive threshold. This is a terminating – not initial – value, measured after 20 minutes of standard ACLS interventions. Early Detection of ROSC If the patient in cardiac arrest has a return of spontaneous circulation, EtCO2 levels will rise quickly to a higher level. EtCO2 detection may be the earliest indicator of this improvement in perfusion, and should be confirmed by palpating for central and peripheral pulses. – One study showed a marked rise in EtCO2 levels just before conversion of PEA to a perfusing rhythm. Before any return of measurable BP or palpable pulses! Annals of Emergency Medicine, June, 1995, 25:6, page 762767 Causes of an Elevated ETCO2 Metabolism – Pain – Hyperthermia – Malignant hyperthermia – Shivering Circulatory System – Increased cardiac output - with constant ventilation Respiratory System – Respiratory insufficiency – Respiratory depression – Obstructive lung disease Equipment – Defective exhalation valve Causes of a Decreased EtCO2 Metabolism – Overdose / sedation – Hypothermia Circulatory System – Cardiac arrest – Embolism – Sudden hypovolemia or hypotension Respiratory System – Alveolar hyperventilation – Bronchospasm – Mucus plugging Equipment – Leak in airway system – Partial airway obstruction – ETT in hypopharynx Case Study #5 A 26 year old male is being transported on the ventilator. Vital signs are stable. A normal capnographic waveform is present. Suddenly the capnograph changes to this: EtC02: 5 - 20 variable What does this mean? What should you check? Check the patient first Then check the connections between the ETT and breathing circuit And what was found……? Answer: A partial disconnection causing a leak in the circuit was detected. The problem is corrected and the waveform returns to normal Summary Points Detection device -------------> Diagnostic monitoring Static --------------------------> Dynamic monitoring Advanced warning of ventilatory status – Don’t be caught off guard – Avoid backing into a critical situation – Crash------------------->elective Objective confirmation of clinical assessment Thank you!