DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING PERFUSION FAILURE IN A PATIENT DURING ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION

摘要

A device and method are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation in a patient, such as that in perfusion failure, wherein the patient requires mechanical ventilatory support. The invention involves measurement of PCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) within the lower respiratory tract of the patient, using a device that includes an endotracheal breathing tube for introducing air from an air supply pump into a patient's lungs, wherein a carbon dioxide sensor is provided as an integral part of that device, i.e., is physically connected to the endotracheal breathing tube in a manner that allows for PCO2 measurement along the sidewall of the patient's trachea.