Spotting Early Cycling on the Expiratory Flow-Time Scalar

Early cycling is identified on the expiratory flow–time scalar by an upward deflection at the onset of expiration, which occurs because the patient’s inspiratory effort continues after the ventilator has ended its inspiratory phase. However, in some cases, a distinct upward deflection may not be present. Instead, the waveform may show a reduced peak expiratory flow or a truncated (amputated) expiratory peak, reflecting the same continuation of patient effort into early expiration.