Before performing the cuff leak test, first suction endotracheal and oral secretions and set the ventilator in the assist control mode. |
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With the cuff inflated, record displayed inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes to see whether these are similar. |
Deflate the cuff. |
Directly record the expiratory tidal volume over the next six breathing cycles as the expiratory tidal volume will reach a plateau value after a few cycles. |
Average the three lowest values. |
The difference between the inspiratory tidal volume (measured before the cuff was deflated) and the averaged expiratory tidal volume is the cuff leak volume. |