Identifying Early Cycling in Volume Control Mode

Early cycling: Ventilator ends inspiratory phase before the end of neural inspiration. 

Early cycling leads to an upward deformation of the expiratory flow time scalar. The application of inspiratory pause results in a flat line in the pressure-time scalar when the respiratory muscles remain inactive during that phase. In this scenario, the plateau is not seen as the inspiratory muscles remain engaged, resulting in reduced pressures.

Suspect early cycling if there is an upward deflection in the early portion of the expiratory flow-time scalar in a patient triggered breath.

Increase the set inspiratory time to correct the dyssynchrony.