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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot battery-backed system components or supported backup power that will not charge, reports low capacity, or provides unexpectedly short runtime.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient From Unexpected Power Loss
Do not rely on a battery-backed component or backup-power function with uncertain runtime during a procedure. Ensure stable facility power and an appropriate contingency before troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Patient care is protected from an unexpected loss of power.
2. Identify the Battery-Backed Component
Determine exactly which supported system component, mobile accessory, control, or backup-power device is reporting a charging or runtime problem. Record its indicators or messages.
Expected outcome: The complaint is tied to a specific battery-backed component rather than the angiography system generally.
3. Verify Charging Power
Confirm that the affected component is connected to its approved charging source and that facility power is available. Inspect accessible charging cords, power supplies, docks, and connections.
Expected outcome: The charging source is available and connections are secure.
4. Inspect the Battery or External Power Accessory
Where externally accessible without disassembly, inspect the battery, charging interface, dock, or power accessory for swelling, leakage, heat, damaged contacts, cracked housings, contamination, or other abnormality.
Expected outcome: No visible battery hazard is present. Any swollen, leaking, overheated, or damaged battery is immediately removed from service and handled per facility procedure.
5. Confirm Charging Indication
Reconnect the device to its approved charger and verify that the expected charging or external-power indication appears.
Expected outcome: The component recognizes the charging source and begins charging.
6. Allow an Appropriate Charge Cycle
If the battery was deeply discharged, allow charging according to approved manufacturer guidance before evaluating runtime. Do not infer battery failure solely from a brief initial charge attempt.
Expected outcome: Battery charge status increases normally.
7. Compare With Known-Good Accessories
Where appropriate, test with a known-good approved charger, cable, dock, or replaceable battery to isolate the affected component.
Expected outcome: The substitution identifies whether the problem follows the battery/accessory or remains with the equipment.
8. Verify Runtime Using Approved Testing
If runtime testing is appropriate for the specific battery-backed component, evaluate it using the manufacturer-approved method or applicable service procedure.
Expected outcome: Runtime meets the applicable service requirement. If charging and runtime are acceptable, troubleshooting can stop.
9. Escalate Unacceptable Battery Performance
If charging remains abnormal, runtime fails approved criteria, or the component cannot reliably maintain backup power, remove it from service.
Expected outcome: An unreliable battery-backed function is not used for patient care.
If the Problem Persists
External charging power, cables, chargers, accessible batteries, and normal charging conditions have been ruled out. Remaining possibilities include a depleted battery requiring replacement, charging circuitry, power-management electronics, battery communication, configuration, or another service-level condition.
Remove the affected component from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified evaluation using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment. Battery replacement or internal charging-system repair should be performed only as authorized.
Return to service only after charging operation and required runtime have been verified. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never assume a battery indicator guarantees sufficient procedure time; verify questionable backup-power performance before relying on it clinically.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that a battery-backed Canon Alphenix Sky+ system accessory would not maintain charge."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the approved charging cable damaged and confirmed normal charging with a known-good compatible cable."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering replaced the damaged charging cable, verified normal charge indication and applicable battery operation, and returned the accessory to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Battery-backed component involved
- Charge status or displayed message
- Facility power status
- Charger, dock, or cable condition
- Battery physical condition
- Known-good substitution results
- Runtime-test result
- Any abnormal heat, odor, or swelling
- Final device status
Final Thought
Protect the procedure from power interruption, verify the external charging path before condemning a battery or internal charger, and require objective charge and runtime verification before return to service.
That is successful troubleshooting.