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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists in troubleshooting exhalation valve failures on a CareFusion AVEA ventilator. Exhalation valve issues can prevent proper expiration of patient breaths, trigger alarms, and compromise ventilation.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety
- Move the patient to an alternative ventilator or manual ventilation.
- Disconnecting or opening the exhalation valve on an active patient can be dangerous.
Inspect the Exhalation Valve Assembly
- Remove the expiratory circuit and visually check for debris, condensation, or obstruction.
- Expected Outcome: Valve should move freely without sticking. Obstructions often cause failures.
Check Valve Alignment and Seating
- Ensure the valve is properly seated in the ventilator and circuit.
- Misalignment can prevent proper opening/closing.
Verify Circuit Connections
- Confirm expiratory limb is properly connected, and no kinks or disconnections exist.
- Expected Outcome: Secure connections prevent false valve alarms.
Inspect for Condensation or Moisture
- Check for water or moisture accumulation in the expiratory limb or valve chamber.
- Drain or replace circuit components as needed. Moisture can impede valve movement.
Check Valve Sensor Functionality (If Equipped)
- Some AVEA models use sensors to detect valve position. Ensure connectors are secure and no visible damage exists.
- Expected Outcome: Valve position is properly detected; alarm resolves if sensor was the issue.
Power Cycle the Ventilator
- Turn off and then back on the ventilator after checking the valve.
- Expected Outcome: Clears transient faults and resets valve sensing.
Replace Disposable Components
- Swap the expiratory valve or circuit with a known good spare if previous steps fail.
- Expected Outcome: If failure resolves, the issue was with the component.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have likely been ruled out.
Label the ventilator Out of Service and remove it from clinical use.
Send the device for bench evaluation or repair by qualified service personnel.
Knowing when to stop prevents patient risk and further equipment damage.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot the exhalation valve while a patient is connected.
Always secure an alternative ventilation method before manipulating the valve or circuit.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
Ventilator alarmed with exhalation valve failure during routine use.
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Valve found obstructed with condensation and partially misaligned in expiratory limb.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Cleared obstruction, reseated valve, replaced circuit, and verified proper function; ventilator returned to service.
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Valve movement before and after cleaning
- Circuit connection status
- Any unusual sounds or resistance during exhalation
- Alarm codes observed
- Final device status after troubleshooting
Final Thought
Exhalation valve troubleshooting relies on careful observation, logical stepwise checks, and patient safety. Always rule out external causes before assuming internal failure, and document all findings clearly. Escalation to repair is the correct step when the valve issue cannot be resolved externally.
That is successful troubleshooting.