Paediatric exhaled CO2 detector causes leaks

Martherus, T.; Hoed, A. den; Cramer, S.J.E.; Tan, R.N.G.B.; Hooper, S.B.; Pas, A.B. te (2020)

Article / Letter to editor

Objective To assess leakage caused by the Pedi-Cap.Methods Bench test I: Pedi-Caps were connected between the Neopuff and a test lung and placed underwater to detect the leak. Bench test II: the disposable Avea VarFlex Flow Transducer measured the leak. Retrospective analysis: recordings of intubations in the delivery room were analysed.Results The (rippled) male end of the Pedi-Cap is the origin of the leak. In bench test I, 32% of the Pedi-Caps caused inevitable extensive leaks and 34% caused leaks that diminished after sealing the end. In bench test II (n=44) and the retrospective analysis (n=17), the flow transducer measured 22% (18-60) and 39% (8-82) leakage, respectively. Leakage decreased after removal of the Pedi-Cap (before vs after; 17% (7-75) vs 4% (2-10), p=0.004).Conclusion The Pedi-Cap causes the leak which can compromise respiratory support. We recommend to remove the Pedi-Cap directly after change of colour and to be cautious when using the device as evaluation tool.

• All authors: Martherus, T.; Hoed, A. den; Cramer, S.J.E.; Tan, R.N.G.B.; Hooper, S.B.; Pas, A.B. te
• Date: 2020-07-01
• Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
• Volume: 105
• Issue: 4
• Pages: F441 - F443
• DOI: doi:10.1136/archdischild-2019-317729
• Link: https://fn.bmj.com/content/105/4/441.info