Asset Type

Infusion Pump

Manufacturer

B. Braun

Model

Space Infusion Pump System

What This Guide Helps With

This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting B. Braun Space Infusion Pumps that generate occlusion alarms even though the IV line appears to be flowing freely.

In many cases, the cause is not a true occlusion but rather issues such as tubing setup, cassette seating, pressure from clamps, or sensor detection problems. This guide focuses on external checks first, which are the most common causes before assuming an internal pump issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Confirm the patient is safely receiving therapy.
• If an occlusion alarm is actively interrupting therapy, move the patient to a known-good infusion pump.
• Do not troubleshoot a device while it is actively being used for patient therapy.

Verify the occlusion alarm message and location

• Check whether the pump indicates:
• Upstream occlusion
• Downstream occlusion
• This matters because it helps determine whether the pump detects pressure before or after the pump mechanism, which guides the rest of troubleshooting.

Inspect the IV tubing path through the pump

• Open the pump door and confirm the tubing is:
• Routed correctly in the pump channel
• Fully seated in the pump track
• Not twisted or pinched
• Improper tubing placement can create false pressure readings that trigger occlusion alarms.

Confirm the correct B. Braun administration set is being used

• Verify that the tubing set is:
• An approved B. Braun Space infusion set
• Not expired or damaged
• Non-approved or incompatible sets can cause incorrect compression in the pumping mechanism, leading to pressure detection errors.

Check for partially closed clamps

• Inspect the entire line for:
• Roller clamps
• Slide clamps
• Secondary set clamps
• Even a partially closed clamp can create enough resistance for the pump to interpret an occlusion.

Inspect the line for subtle kinks or compression

• Follow the IV line from bag to patient and look for:
• Kinks near the pump door
• Tubing trapped under bed rails
• IV lines caught under equipment wheels
• Tight tape near catheter insertion sites
• These restrictions may not completely stop flow but can still trigger pressure alarms.

Verify the cassette door is fully closed and latched

• Open and re-close the pump door firmly.
• Check for:
• Proper latch engagement
• No debris inside the pump channel
• A partially latched door may affect occlusion sensor pressure detection.

Prime or flush the line

• Air pockets or incomplete priming can affect pressure detection.
• Confirm:
• The tubing is fully primed
• No air bubbles are present near the pump mechanism

Check for downstream resistance at the catheter site

• If safe to assess, confirm:
• IV catheter is not infiltrated
• Dressing is not overly tight
• Extension tubing is not kinked
• Clinical factors can create resistance that triggers the pump alarm.

Test with a known-good administration set

• If the alarm continues:
• Replace the tubing set with a new B. Braun set
• Reprime the line
• Restart the infusion
• A worn or stiff set can alter compression and cause incorrect occlusion detection.

Power cycle the pump

• Turn the pump off and back on to reset the system.
• This can clear temporary sensor or software faults.

If the Problem Persists

If occlusion alarms continue after verifying:

• Proper tubing setup
• Correct infusion set
• No clamps or kinks
• Door fully latched
• Line fully primed

Then the issue may involve:

• Internal pressure sensor malfunction
• Pump mechanism wear
• Door latch sensor problems
• Internal calibration drift

At this point the device should be:

• Removed from service
• Labeled Out of Service
• Sent for bench evaluation or repair

Recognizing when external causes have been ruled out is an important part of proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot infusion pump occlusion alarms while connected to an active patient whenever possible.

If an alarm persists:

• Transfer the patient to a known-good infusion pump.
• Ensure the infusion continues safely.
• Then begin troubleshooting the device.

Patient therapy should never be interrupted while diagnosing equipment issues.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“Nursing reported the infusion pump repeatedly alarming for occlusion even though the IV line appeared to be flowing normally.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“Tubing set was partially misaligned in the pump channel, causing incorrect pressure detection by the occlusion sensor.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“Reseated the administration set and verified correct routing. Pump tested and infusion ran normally without additional occlusion alarms.”

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Occlusion alarm type (upstream or downstream)
• Tubing set replaced or reseated
• Clamps inspected
• Door latch verified
• Line primed
• Test infusion performed
• Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)

Final Thought

Occlusion alarms are designed to protect patients from interrupted therapy, but they can sometimes be triggered by simple setup issues. By starting with tubing placement, clamps, and basic setup checks, Clinical Engineering can quickly rule out common causes before escalating to repair. Clear troubleshooting and proper documentation ensure both patient safety and efficient equipment management.

That is successful troubleshooting.