Respiratory Control and Narcotic Effects

Using this technique, the patient first voluntarily hyperventilates to a PETCO2 value of 20-25 mmHg, then undergoes a rebreathing test allowing the PCO2 to rise to 55-60 mmHg while PETO2 is maintained at 150 mmHg. The procedure is then repeated with PETO2 clamped at 50 mmHg. Parameters derived from this method include slopes of the ventilatory response during hyperoxia and hypoxia.