Arjo Hydroven Series

Asset Type

Sequential Compression Device (SCD)

Manufacturer

Arjo

Model

Hydroven Series

What This Guide Helps With

Pressure alarms caused by leaks, blocked tubing, improper garment connection, or external airflow restrictions preventing proper inflation.

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 Alarm Condition

• Power on the unit and observe when the pressure alarm occurs during a full cycle.
• Expected: Alarm occurs during inflation or pressure hold phase.
• Why it matters: Confirms true pressure issue vs user misunderstanding or normal cycling.

Check Garment (Sleeve) Connection

• Disconnect and firmly reconnect the tubing to the device. Ensure it is fully seated.
• Expected: Tight, secure connection with no looseness.
• Why it matters: Loose connections are the most common cause of pressure alarms.
• If alarm clears → stop troubleshooting.

Inspect Tubing for Kinks or Obstructions

• Trace the entire tubing from pump to garment. Remove any kinks, compression, or pinching.
• Expected: Tubing is straight and unobstructed.
• Why it matters: Blocked airflow can trigger high-pressure alarms.
• If corrected and alarm clears → stop troubleshooting.

Check for Leaks in Tubing or Garment

• Inspect tubing and sleeve for holes, tears, or disconnections. Listen for escaping air during inflation.
• Expected: No visible damage or audible leaks.
• Why it matters: Air leaks prevent proper pressure buildup and trigger alarms.
• If leak found and corrected → stop troubleshooting.

Verify Correct Garment Type and Compatibility

• Ensure the sleeve being used is appropriate for the Hydroven system and properly sized.
• Expected: Compatible garment connected correctly.
• Why it matters: Incorrect or incompatible garments can cause abnormal pressure readings.
• If corrected → stop troubleshooting.

Check for Blocked or Contaminated Ports

• Inspect the device air outlet port for debris, lint, or obstruction.
• Expected: Port is clean and unobstructed.
• Why it matters: Blocked ports restrict airflow and cause pressure faults.
• If cleared and alarm resolves → stop troubleshooting.

Test with Known-Good Garment and Tubing

• Replace current sleeve and tubing with a known-good set and run a cycle.
• Expected: Normal operation with no alarms.
• Why it matters: Helps isolate whether the issue is accessory-related or device-related.
• If issue resolves → faulty garment/tubing identified.

If the Problem Persists

If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (pressure sensor, valve system, or compressor regulation).

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

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

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot pressure-related alarms while the device is connected to a patient. Always transition the patient to another device first.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Unit alarming with pressure fault during inflation cycle."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Air leak identified in compression sleeve tubing causing inability to maintain pressure."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Replaced defective sleeve and tubing; verified normal operation with no alarms."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm timing (inflation vs hold phase)
• Tubing condition and routing
• Garment condition
• Outlet/port condition
• Test with known-good accessories
• Audible leaks present or not
• Final device status (in service or removed)

Final Thought

Pressure alarms are most often caused by simple external issues like loose connections, leaks, or blocked tubing. A structured, step-by-step approach ensures patient safety while preventing unnecessary escalation. Once external causes are ruled out, confidently removing the device from service is the correct decision. Clear documentation supports both safety and efficiency.

That is successful troubleshooting.