Question

When using a small bore catheter with a one-way valve such as Heimlich valve, how can you determine definitively that there is or is not a small air leak?

Answer 1

Answer:

You can determine definitively that there is or is not a small air leak by connecting to an underwater seal.

Explanation:

When using a small bore catheter with a one-way valve such as Heimlich valve, it is not so easy to determine whether a Heimlich valve has been leaking, especially when it is only surrounded by air; however, any leak can be determined by connecting the valve to an underwater seal/water environment which will make it possible to see or detect whether there is any leak or escape of air from the valve.

Answer 2

Answer:

We can determine that there is a small air leak or not by Connecting to an underwater seal.

Explanation:

It is difficult to determine an ongoing leak in a Heimlich valve without connecting it to an underwater seal. The procedure of underwater seal is conducted by placing the Heimlich valve into a cup of water or in a water seal chamber. Then the presence of air leak is checked if the leakage continues after lung expansion.

This one-way valve system is used to treat spontaneous pneumothorax without hospital re-admissions. A Heimlich valve is a one-way rubber flutter valve which allows air evacuation without tension. Hence, its leakage can be checked during lung expansion by not connecting it to a suction device but actually to an underwater seal.