EVALUATION OF AN END-TIDAL CO2 DETECTOR DURING CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION IN A CANINE MODEL FOR PEDIATRIC CARDIAC-ARREST

Our objective was to evaluate a colorimetric end-tidal CO2 detector in a canine model for pediatric cardiac arrest. In a prospective unblind ed study, cardiac arrest was induced in 11 anesthetized and paralyzed puppies, weighing 5.0 to 6.1 kg, by clamping the endotracheal tube (ET T) and discontinuing mechanical ventilation, During cardiopulmonary re suscitation (CPR), the detector and the capnometer were connected betw een the ETT and ventilator tubing, Color shades on the detector ranged from 1 (purple) to 6 (yellow) corresponding to increasing concentrati ons of CO2. End-tidal CO2 concentrations as indicated by detector colo r and capnometric reading were monitored and recorded throughout the s tudy. The results showed that there was a significant correlation betw een the detector color score and capnometric readings (P < 0.001), A s udden rise in end-tidal CO2 indicated by both the capnometer and the d etector occurred at return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in seven or <1 minute before ROSC in four animals. This association was signifi cant (P = 0.0009), We conclude that these results demonstrate that, in a canine model for pediatric cardiac arrest, the detector readings co rrelate with capnometry during CPR and indicate ROSC.