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19.0.10 High Patient Leak
This “Leak” is the leak measured around the distal end of the endotracheal tube.
Infant ET tubes are uncuffed and therefore there will be a leak around the end if
the tube. The smaller the tube the greater the leak is likely to be. It is measured
as a percentage and is the difference between what was inspired compared to
what was expired.The user is able to set the “Leak Alarm” threshold at any point
between 10%, 50% or OFF altogether. The threshold default is set to 25%. A leak
is considered significant if above about 20%. A large leak is an indication to
change the ET tube for a larger sized tube. However many ill infants will not
tolerate this procedure. Sometimes a change of patient position will reduce the
leak.
Action: Check patients O
2
saturation. Change patient position. Consider
reintubation with a larger sized ET tube
19.0.11 Clean Flow Sensor
There will be two messages in the alarm window. In the usual space will read
“Clean Flow Sensor”. At the top of the alarm window will appear a smaller box in
which is written “Reset Contamination Alarm”. There are two possible reasons for
this alarm;
(i) There are secretions in the flow sensor
(ii) The flow through the flow sensor has increased to more than 15 lpm and for
longer than 3.5 seconds. The reason for this is that the patient manifold and
flow sensor has been disconnected from the patient ET tube connector. The
flow is ramped up in an attempt to deliver the selected PIP. When the PIP
cannot be achieved with the increased flow the flow sensor senses a problem
and the “Clean Flow Sensor” alarm is generated.
Action: Press the “Reset Contamination Alarm” and calibrate the flow sensor as
described in the calibration menu. If the calibration is successful then the reason
was the incorrect disconnection of the circuit. If calibration unsuccessful then it
really does mean that the flow sensor has been contaminated with secretions.
The flow sensor must be removed and replaced with a sterile flow sensor. The
contaminated sensor must then be cleaned according to the guidelines laid out
the in the user manual.
19.0.12 Faulty Flow Sensor
The message under the alarm will read “Flow Sensor Defective”. Within the body
of the flow sensor are three very fine and delicate wires. Any incorrect handling of
the flow sensor could result in one or more of these wires breaking causing a
faulty flow sensor alarm. Therefore these flow sensors need very careful
handling. Dropping them or holding them under running water, storing them
loosely will all result in defective sensors
Action: Keep flow sensor protected and store in the supplied box. Replace with
new sensor.
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