Metabolic monitor

The purpose of this review is to provide information about the technical solutions behind the Datex Deltatrac Metabolic Monitor. Deltatrac measures oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and calculates from those respiratory quotient (RQ = VCO2/VO2) and energy expenditure (EE). Deltatrac can monitor both mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing patients. In Deltatrac carbon dioxide is measured with conventional infrared technique but both in oxygen and flow measurement novel innovative methods have been used. A fast differential paramagnetic O2 sensor as well as the gas dilution system to measure flow have been developed specially for this application.