Carbon dioxide is mainly used in the industrial world for the manufacture of beverages and as a heat transfer medium in nuclear power stations. Medical gas use of carbon dioxide is a very small fraction of the overall use of the gas throughout the world.
The manufacture of carbon dioxide is usually generated as a by-product of the large scale manufacture of hydrogen. This process is accomplished by reaction of petroleum or natural gas with steam and/or oxygen. Carbon Dioxide can exist as a liquid under pressure at room temperature and is typically stored and transported in this form in high pressure cylinders for use by patients. In most hospital applications these cylinders are in a manifold arrangement.
Medical Grade Carbon Dioxide USP is utilized in critical care areas of the hospital. The medical uses of carbon dioxide include:
Inflation gas for minimal invasive surgery (laparoscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy) to enlarge and stabilize body cavities for better visibility of the surgical field
To increase the depth of respiration and help overcome breath holding and bronchial spasms during various procedures
To stimulate respiration for various reasons (i.e. chronic respiratory obstruction removal, hyperventilation, etc.)
To increase cerebral blood flow during some surgeries
For clinical and physiological investigations
Medical Gas CO2 is administered by face mask or locally as needed. The use of a pressure compensated flow meter is used to control the rate of flow desired.
