The Sentri ETCO2 mask is a conventional medium concentration oxygen mask with the addition of a sampling port. This port permits sampling of exhaled carbon dioxide from both the mouth and nose in non-intubated patients during the administration of supplementary oxygen. 

       

Capnography is vital during sedation

The increased use of conscious sedation has created a need for a device to monitor respiratory depression. The difference between conscious sedation and general anesthesia is sometimes very small. It is possible during conscious sedation that intravenous sedatives and narcotics administered to allay apprehension can result in the loss of consciousness and respiratory obstruction.

Recommendations

An updated statement from the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland (AAGBI) in May 2011 states: 

"Continuous capnography is recommended for all patients undergoing deep sedation or any sedation where the airway cannot be directly observed"

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently updated monitoring standards for ventilation that are defined below:

"During moderate or deep sedation the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation or qualitative clinical signs and monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide"