On-line, real time monitoring of exhaled trace gases by SIFT-MS in the perioperative setting: a feasibility study

A study is described of the first on line, real time analyses of the exhaled breath of five anaesthetized patients during the complete perioperative periods of laparoscopic surgery. These breath analyses were achieved using a selected ion flow tube, SIFT-MS, instrument, located in the operating theatre at an acceptable distance from the operating table, and coupled to the endotracheal tube in the ventilation circuit via a 5 metre long capillary tube.