How valuable is the Capnostream 20p bedside monitor?

What you need to know about this capnography monitor…..

The Capnostream 20p bedside capnography monitor has become an important machine at ER departments and operating theatres. This machine has the capacity to monitor the fractional inspired CO₂, end tidal CO₂, and oxygen saturation level. It can also measure the heart and respiratory rate.

For patients on mechanical ventilation this is beneficial. It would signal the hospital staffs before the onset of respiratory acidosis. In case of postoperative patients who are minutely under anesthetic effect, this capnography monitor their breathing.

Important features about this machine you should know are:

1. Smart alarm management integrated algorithm: This function allows an operator to disable an alarm quietly when trying to change the CO₂ sampling line.
2. Microstream technology: With the help of the Smart CapnoLine sampling line, this effectively measures etCO₂, apnea, and RR.
3. Smart alarm for respiratory analysis: This automatically reduces clinically insignificant alarm.
4. The monitor is easily compatible with central monitoring systems and other interfaces.
5. Display screen area of 5.14 x 3.86 in, with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixel.
6. The back up battery power can last up to 2.5 hours and can be recharged to 100% in 12hrs.
7. It has an input voltage of 100-240VAC, and an input power of 90VA
8. Nellcor pulse oximetry and SatSeconds alert system: This would alert the physician in case of any drop in O₂ levels.

What you should know as a patient:

1. This is a non-invasive monitoring technology. It is similar to other hospital monitors.
2. This machine is recommended for those with chronic breathing problems at home.
3. Neither eating nor drinking affect monitoring.
4. The alarm is just a reminder for the patients to take a few deep breaths when they are awake.

A very important quality of the Capnostream 20p bedside monitor is the IPI. The Integrated Pulmonary Index combines the etCO₂, RR, SPO₂, and Pulse rate to give a value between 1 and 10. A value 8 to 10 is normal; 3-7 requires observation and possible intervention. A value 1-2 requires immediate intervention.