A response algorithm for the low-pressure alarm condition.
A response algorithm consists of a logical sequence of maneuvers to be performed in response to a specific condition. With the advent of alarm-equipped monitors that alert anesthesiologists to the presence of potentially hazardous clinical conditions, a need has arisen to develop the corresponding alarm-oriented responses expected from anesthesiologists; this problem, however, has not been satisfactorily addressed in the literature. An algorithm is proposed that guides the anesthesiologist through the three limbs of the ventilation system--gas supply system, breathing circuit, and mechanical ventilator--in response to a low-pressure alarm condition during automatic mechanical ventilation. The three-limbed algorithm rapidly and efficiently localizes the likely cause of the low-pressure condition without compromising patient safety; in the event that the search for a cause is fruitless, a default mode of ventilation is employed. A discussion is provided of common causes (e.g., disconnections), alarm-defeating circumstances (false negatives), and potential algorithm-defeating situations (multiple faults).
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
D T
DT
Raphael
R S
RS
Weller
D J
DJ
Doran
D000465:Algorithms; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*