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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
SEVERE OCCLUSION alarm indicating blocked airflow, causing inability to ventilate the patient effectively and creating a critical patient safety risk.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately assess the patient’s breathing status
- Provide alternate ventilation (bag valve mask or backup ventilator)
- Remove ventilator from use if ventilation is compromised
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm SEVERE OCCLUSION alarm is displayed
- Observe high airway pressures
- Check for low or no delivered tidal volume
- Listen for audible alarm
Check Patient Condition (Most Critical Check)
- Assess airway patency (ET tube or trach)
- Check for biting, kinking, or mucus plugs
- Suction airway if needed
Inspect Patient Circuit for Obstruction
- Check entire breathing circuit for kinks or compression
- Inspect tubing for blockages
- Drain condensation from tubing and water traps
Check Filters and Accessories
- Inspect bacterial/viral filters for clogging
- Check HME (heat moisture exchanger)
- Replace with known-good components if needed
Verify Exhalation Path
- Inspect expiratory limb for obstruction
- Check exhalation valve area for debris or moisture
Remove and Test Circuit (Isolation Step)
- Disconnect patient and attach test lung
- Observe if alarm clears
- If cleared, issue is external (patient/circuit)
- If persistent, suspect ventilator issue
Run Extended Self-Test (EST)
- Perform EST per manufacturer recommendations
- Verify system passes all checks
Stop When Resolved
- Return ventilator to service after confirming normal operation
- Verify appropriate ventilation parameters
If the Problem Persists
If the SEVERE OCCLUSION alarm continues after all external checks:
- External causes have been ruled out
- Likely internal valve, pressure sensor, or flow issue
- Remove device from service
- Label as Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot a SEVERE OCCLUSION alarm on an active patient without first ensuring alternate ventilation is immediately available.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Ventilator alarming SEVERE OCCLUSION with no delivered tidal volume during use."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Occluded patient circuit due to condensation buildup (or no external cause found, suspect internal fault)."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleared circuit obstruction and drained condensation; verified operation and passed EST (or removed from service for repair if unresolved)."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
Severe occlusion alarms represent critical airflow blockage. Always prioritize patient assessment first, then systematically rule out circuit and accessory issues before suspecting device failure. Proper escalation ensures both patient safety and equipment reliability.
That is successful troubleshooting.