A dedicated respiratory function monitor to improve tidal volume delivery during neonatal anesthesia

Abstract

Background: Tight control of tidal volume using accurate monitoring may improve neonatal outcomes. However, respiratory function monitors incorporated in current anesthetic workstations are generally inaccurate at tidal volumes used for infants. Aims: To determine if a specific respiratory function monitor for neonatal infants improved expired tidal volume delivery during anesthesia. Method: Infants <3 months old requiring intubation for surgery in the operating theater were studied. After intubation a Phillips NM3, Acutronic Florian, or Novametrix Ventcheck Respiratory Function Monitor was integrated into the circuit, and clinicians given access to the display for the duration of anesthesia..