Inventors:
Mark A. Novotny - Westminster CO
Thomas A. Boone - Laurel MD
Jeffrey D. Geisler - Salt Lake City UT
Garfield B. Russell - Mt. Gretna PA
John M. Graybeal - Grantville PA
Assignee:
Ohmeda Inc. - Liberty Corner NJ
International Classification:
A61B 508
Abstract:
Concomitant measurement of EtCO. sub. 2, EtN. sub. 2 and (FiO. sub. 2 -FeO. sub. 2) concentrations are used to detect a VAE. In a respiratory gas monitoring system, continuous measurements of end-tidal carbon dioxide, end-tidal nitrogen and the difference between inspired and expired oxygen concentrations are averaged using a predetermined time period and stored as historical data. Periodically, a present value of each of these concentrations is compared to its respective historical average for a predetermined time period. If the following conditions are met, the device signals the presence of a venous air embolism: 1) a decrease in the EtCO. sub. 2 concentration of 1. 5 mm Hg; 2) an increase in the FeN. sub. 2 concentration of 0. 03 vol %; and 3) a decrease in the difference between the inspired oxygen concentration and the expired oxygen concentration of 0. 20 vol %.