Abstract
In ten normal subjects, series dead space was determined for six intravenously infused inert gases (SF6, ethane, cyclopropane, fluothane, ether, acetone) from their expired and alveolar concentrations. The method for sampling alveolar gas was based on the criterion of identity of mean alveolar and expired gas exchange ratios. Inert gases were analysed chromatographically. Acetone, the most soluble gas, yielded the lowest dead space, the difference to the other gases being about 4.5%. This is probably due to the non-infinite value of the series dead space ventilation-perfusion ratio (VA/Q) which was estimated at about 2,000. The diffusivity, inversely related to the molecular weight, also played a role, the heaviest gas (fluothane) having a greater dead space than the lightest (ethane). The underestimation of the dead space from acetone is expected to be greater in subjects with low tidal volume and high bronchial blood flow, i. e. in some patients with respiratory disease.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
