A pathologic or iatrogenic decrease in PCD can result in the development of both an anoxic and hypercapnic lethal corner.
The Krogh cylinder model has illustrated the potential for two different kinds of lethal corners; anoxic and hypercapnic. This example combines the two concepts within a single 1:16 cylinder model. The development of a lethal corner is most likely the result of a pathologic or iatrogenic decrease in PCD. This example implies that both the anoxic and hypercapnic lethal corners would occur simultaneously. However either the anoxic or the hypercapnic lethal corner can develop independently, as well as simultaneously. A patient with both an anoxic lethal corner and a hypercapnic lethal corner simultaneously is at very high risk of death.
Perfusion Theory is an educational platform for the Oxygen Pressure Field Theory (OPFT). August Krogh’s theoretical concept of the oxygen pressure field is explained and then applied to clinical applications in perfusion practice.