Arjo Flowtron Excel

Asset Type

Sequential Compression Device (SCD)

Manufacturer

Arjo

Model

Flowtron Excel

What This Guide Helps With

Uneven or inconsistent chamber inflation caused by tubing issues, garment defects, incorrect setup, or external pneumatic restrictions.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Remove the device from active patient use before troubleshooting.
• Expected: Patient placed on alternate DVT prophylaxis.

Verify the Reported Issue

• Run the pump and observe a full inflation cycle across all chambers.
• Expected: Chambers inflate sequentially and evenly.
• Why it matters: Confirms true uneven inflation vs normal compression pattern.

Check Garment (Sleeve) Application

• Ensure the sleeve is properly wrapped and secured around the limb with no twisting or folding.
• Expected: Even contact along the entire limb.
• Why it matters: Improper application can restrict airflow and cause uneven inflation.
• If corrected and inflation normalizes → stop troubleshooting.

Inspect Tubing Connections

• Disconnect and reconnect tubing at both the pump and garment ports.
• Ensure connections are fully seated and secure.
• Expected: Tight, leak-free connections.
• Why it matters: Partial connections can reduce pressure to specific chambers.
• If corrected and issue resolves → stop troubleshooting.

Check Tubing for Kinks or Obstructions

• Run hands along tubing and visually inspect for kinks, compression under bed rails, or pinching.
• Expected: Tubing is straight and unobstructed.
• Why it matters: Restricted airflow affects downstream chamber inflation.
• If corrected and inflation equalizes → stop troubleshooting.

Inspect Garment for Internal Defects

• Check for visible wear, stiff sections, or areas that fail to expand during inflation.
• Gently manipulate chambers while running a cycle.
• Expected: All chambers inflate uniformly.
• Why it matters: Internal chamber failure or delamination can prevent proper inflation sequence.
• If defective → replace garment and retest.

Swap with a Known-Good Garment

• Connect a known-good sleeve to the pump and observe operation.
• Expected: Even inflation across all chambers.
• Why it matters: Isolates whether the issue is garment-related or pump-related.
• If issue resolves → original garment is faulty
• If issue persists → continue troubleshooting

Check Pump Output Ports

• If dual-channel unit, test each port independently with a known-good garment.
• Expected: Consistent inflation from each port.
• Why it matters: Identifies if one channel is underperforming.

Power Cycle the Unit

• Turn the unit off, wait 10 seconds, and power back on.
• Expected: Normal operation resumes.
• Why it matters: Clears minor control or sequencing faults.

If the Problem Persists

If uneven inflation continues after verifying tubing, garment, and connections, the issue is likely internal (valve control, pressure regulation, or pneumatic distribution failure).

Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.

Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and reflects proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not attempt to troubleshoot while the device is in use on a patient. Always transition the patient to a functioning SCD before evaluation.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Staff reported SCD sleeve inflating unevenly between chambers during therapy."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Faulty garment with internal chamber restriction identified during testing."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Replaced sleeve and verified normal sequential inflation across all chambers."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Tubing checked for kinks or compression
• Garment swapped with known-good
• Chamber inflation pattern observed
• Any audible air leaks noted
• Port-to-port comparison results
• Final device status (working / removed from service)

Final Thought

Uneven chamber inflation is most often caused by external factors like garment condition or tubing restriction. Systematic troubleshooting ensures patient safety, prevents unnecessary repairs, and supports accurate documentation. Escalate only after external causes are ruled out.

That is successful troubleshooting.