Alpha-stat capnography for the Sorin Monolyth oxygenator.

Monitoring the carbon dioxide exhaust of an oxygenator is an inexpensive method to accurately predict and control the arterial carbon dioxide tension during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the exhaust ventilating gas (p exCO 2) was continuously monitored from the capnograph port of the Sorin Monolyth oxygenator during CPB. At the time of routine arterial blood gas sampling, the arterial blood temperature (ABT) was recorded along with the p exCO 2 from the capnograph monitor.