How to Change a Ventilator Circuit

Ventilation utilizes a mechanical device that moves gases into and out of your lungs when you are ill and unable to breathe on your own. In order to do this, the gases must be contained within a closed circuit. Historically, ventilator circuits had to be disinfected, cleaned and dried before they could be used again. Today, most ventilator circuits are disposable, with only certain parts of the circuit reused.

Things You'll Need

• Ventilator
• Ventilator flow sheet
• Clean circuit
• Clean exhalation valve
• Support arm
• Humidifier or HME
• Inline suction catheter
• Manual resuscitator
• Oxygen supply
• Two skilled individuals familiar with mechanical ventilation

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Instructions

• 1

  Document all ventilator and patient settings on a ventilator flow sheet prior to a ventilator circuit change. Assemble the clean ventilator circuit in a clean area away from soiled or used respiratory equipment. Bag the circuit to keep it clean while transporting it to the patient's room.

• 2

  In the patient's room, lay out the circuit next to the ventilator in a way that will allow for a quick swap of the old circuit for the new circuit. Attach any additional equipment such as an inline suction catheter and inline humidification system such as an HME.

• 3

  Place the manual resuscitator at the head of the bed and move any peripheral equipment such as IV poles away from the bed and ventilator. Make sure the resuscitator is connected to an oxygen supply and the oxygen supply is turned to 15 LPM.

• 4

  Inform the patient that you will be changing the ventilator circuit and that they will be ventilated for a short period by a skilled therapist and a manual resuscitator. Now disconnect the patient from the ventilator. Connect the resuscitator to the patient's endotracheal tube and begin ventilation.

• 5

  Place the ventilator on "Standby." A second person will now disconnect the old circuit from the ventilator, put it aside and connect the new circuit to the ventilator. Replacing the exhalation valve is necessary. Using a test lung, complete a ventilator test to confirm that the new circuit is connected properly and providing effective ventilation. Check the new circuit for leaks and loose connections.

• 6

  After the circuit passes all ventilator tests, including a pressure test, reconnect the patient to the ventilator circuit and attach the circuit to the ventilator support arm. Observe the patient and make sure the ventilator is functioning properly. Again, check the circuit for any possible leaks or loose connections.

• 7

  Again, document all ventilator settings and patient's status on the ventilator flow sheet. Make sure there are no significant differences in patient ventilation. Look at the patient to confirm the ventilator circuit change was well tolerated and chart accordingly.