A dedicated respiratory function monitor to improve tidal volume delivery during neonatal anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Tight control of tidal volume using accurate monitoring may improve neonatal outcomes. However, respiratory function monitors incorporated in current anesthetic workstations are generally inaccurate at tidal volumes used for infants. AIMS: To determine if a specific respiratory function monitor for neonatal infants improved expired tidal volume delivery during anesthesia. METHOD: Infants 10 mL/kg; 13.0% vs 22.0%, 1.11 (1.09, 1.14). CONCLUSION: Tidal volumes 10 mL/kg are frequently delivered during neonatal anesthesia. The inclusion of an accurate respiratory function monitor may reduce the risk of exposure to potentially harmful tidal volumes