Monitoring distant organ reperfusion injury by measurement of volatile organic compounds

Since medieval times, the analysis of exhaled breath has been used as a noninvasive monitor of mortality. More recently, measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath such as carbon dioxide and oxygen have greatly improved the safety of medical practice in anesthesia and critical care medicine as a means of assuring appropriate ventilation and verification of endotracheal tube placement. Furthermore, the measurement of exhaled anesthetic gases has improved the safety and reliability of the anesthesia management of the surgical patient.