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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots recognition failures involving approved accessories, tubing sets, interfaces, or connected components before assuming an internal system fault.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Procedure
If an accessory required for the current procedure is not recognized, do not continue relying on the incomplete setup. Provide an approved alternate system or accessory before troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Clinical care does not depend on an accessory the system cannot reliably recognize.
2. Identify the Exact Accessory and Failure
Record:
- Accessory or component involved.
- Exact message shown.
- Whether recognition never occurs or drops intermittently.
- Whether the problem began after replacement or setup.
- Whether other approved accessories function normally.
Expected outcome: The recognition problem is linked to a specific component and condition.
3. Verify Accessory Compatibility
Confirm the accessory, disposable, tubing set, or module is approved for the AirSeal iFS and appropriate for the intended setup.
Do not force physically similar but incompatible components into a connector.
Expected outcome: The correct compatible component is being used.
4. Inspect Installation and Seating
Remove the accessory when safe and inspect its installation. Reconnect it fully using the normal approved method.
Look for:
- Partial insertion.
- Incorrect orientation.
- Loose locking mechanism.
- Twisted tubing.
- Connector obstruction.
- Packaging material left in place.
Expected outcome: The accessory is fully and correctly installed. If recognition returns and remains stable, proceed to final verification.
5. Inspect Accessible Connectors and Contact Surfaces
Check the system and accessory interfaces for:
- Bent or recessed contacts.
- Debris.
- Fluid contamination.
- Broken plastic.
- Damaged latches.
- Cracked connectors.
- Excessive wear.
Do not straighten internal contacts or disassemble the connector.
Expected outcome: The connection interface is visibly intact and clean.
6. Replace Suspect Disposable Components
If the complaint involves a disposable component, replace it with a new approved component according to facility practice.
Do not repeatedly reuse a questionable disposable just to reproduce the fault.
Expected outcome: A fresh approved disposable is recognized normally, identifying the original component as the cause.
7. Substitute a Known-Good Approved Accessory
When practical, connect a known-good compatible accessory of the same type.
Then test the suspect accessory on another verified compatible system only when permitted by facility procedures and contamination-control requirements.
Expected outcome: The substitution separates an accessory problem from a system-side recognition problem.
8. Check the System State and Restart if Appropriate
Verify normal startup and stable AC power. If the accessory was connected during a system fault or abnormal startup, perform one controlled restart with the device out of patient use and reconnect the accessory normally.
Expected outcome: The accessory is recognized after normal system startup and remains recognized.
9. Perform Functional Verification
Confirm that the recognized accessory performs its intended function and that no related alarms, intermittent disconnects, or abnormal behavior occur.
Recognition alone is not adequate return-to-service verification.
Expected outcome: Accessory recognition and associated system function remain stable. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Persistent Recognition Problems
If multiple known-good compatible accessories fail at the same system interface, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: A probable system-side or service-level issue is escalated without connector disassembly or unsupported configuration changes.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes have been ruled out. The remaining issue may involve an internal sensing interface, connector assembly, communication circuit, configuration, software, or other service-level problem.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate CONMED documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.
Following repair, verify accessory recognition with approved components and complete applicable operational and safety testing before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not bypass accessory-recognition behavior or improvise connections to keep a case moving; use an approved alternate setup.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"OR staff reported that the AirSeal iFS would not recognize the connected procedure accessory."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the accessory connector was not fully seated and confirmed that the connector and system interface were undamaged."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Reseated the approved accessory, verified stable recognition and normal functional operation, and returned the system to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact accessory or disposable involved.
- Part identification if available.
- Exact recognition message.
- Connector condition.
- Installation condition.
- Whether a new disposable was tested.
- Known-good accessory substitution.
- Whether other accessories were recognized.
- Results after restart.
- Final functional status.
Final Thought
Recognition failures are frequently caused by setup, compatibility, seating, or accessory condition. Verify those external factors first, use known-good substitutions when appropriate, and escalate when evidence points to the system interface.
That is successful troubleshooting.