Datascope System 98 / 98XT

Battery Or AC Power Failure

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Asset Type

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

Manufacturer

Datascope

Model

System 98 / 98XT

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting AC power loss, battery charging problems, short battery runtime, or failure to power on safely.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

Confirm whether the Datascope System 98 / 98XT is connected to a patient or being prepared for active IABP therapy.

If the device is in use and AC or battery power is questionable, immediately notify clinical staff and ensure backup IABP support is available.

Expected outcome: Patient support is maintained without relying on a pump with unresolved power reliability concerns.

If safe backup support is not immediately available, do not continue nonessential troubleshooting at the bedside.

Verify the Reported Power Issue

Confirm the exact complaint:

Expected outcome: The issue is clearly defined before parts or internal failure are suspected.

Check the Wall Outlet

Plug another approved test device or outlet tester into the same receptacle.

Confirm the outlet is live and not controlled by a wall switch, emergency circuit issue, loose receptacle, or tripped power strip.

Expected outcome: Facility power is verified.

If the outlet is dead, move the IABP to a verified outlet and notify Facilities as appropriate. If this resolves the issue, stop.

Inspect the AC Power Cord

Check the power cord for cuts, crushed insulation, bent blades, loose plug fit, strain relief damage, or signs of overheating.

Confirm the cord is fully seated at the wall and at the IABP power inlet.

Expected outcome: The cord is secure and physically safe to use.

If the cord is damaged, remove it from service and replace it with the correct hospital-approved cord. If this resolves the issue, stop.

Check the AC Power Indicator and Startup Behavior

Connect the pump to a verified AC outlet and observe the AC power indicator, display response, fan noise, charger behavior, and startup sequence.

Expected outcome: The unit recognizes AC power and starts normally.

If there is no AC indicator on a known-good outlet with a known-good cord, suspect an internal power supply, inlet, fuse, or charging circuit issue.

Confirm Power Switch Position and Basic Startup

Verify the main power switch is in the correct position and that the pump is not being mistaken for a display or battery-only failure.

Attempt a normal startup while connected to verified AC power.

Expected outcome: The pump powers on without interruption.

If the unit powers briefly and then shuts down, document the timing and any alarms or indicator behavior.

Allow Charging Time if Battery Was Fully Depleted

If the pump has been stored unplugged or unused, connect it to verified AC power and allow the battery to charge per facility practice.

Observe whether the charging indicator responds.

Expected outcome: The battery begins charging and the device remains stable on AC power.

If the battery does not appear to charge after being connected to verified AC power, continue troubleshooting.

Check Battery Runtime Safely

Only perform battery runtime checks when the pump is not connected to a patient.

With the unit charged and functioning on AC power, briefly disconnect AC power and confirm whether the pump transfers to battery operation without shutting down.

Expected outcome: The pump remains powered and indicates battery operation.

If the unit shuts down, alarms immediately, or cannot support battery operation, remove it from service.

Inspect External Battery Indicators and Alarms

Note any battery-related messages, low battery alarms, charger alarms, or abnormal indicator behavior.

Do not silence or ignore power alarms during evaluation.

Expected outcome: Alarm behavior is captured clearly for repair documentation.

If repeated battery alarms occur after charging on verified AC power, suspect battery age, battery pack failure, charger failure, or internal power management issue.

Check for Power Dropout During Movement

While the pump is not connected to a patient, gently move the AC cord at the plug, device inlet, and strain relief area.

Do not force connectors or open the unit.

Expected outcome: The device remains powered without flicker, reboot, or alarm.

If power drops out when the cord or inlet is moved, remove the pump from service for bench evaluation.

Inspect for Heat, Odor, or Electrical Damage

Check for unusual heat, burning smell, discoloration, buzzing, sparking, melted plastic, or damaged inlet areas.

Expected outcome: No signs of electrical hazard are present.

If any electrical hazard is found, unplug the device if safe, label it Out of Service, and escalate immediately.

Compare With a Known-Good Power Cord and Outlet

If available, repeat the AC power check using a known-good hospital-grade cord and verified outlet.

Expected outcome: The issue follows either the cord/outlet or remains with the pump.

If the pump works normally with the known-good cord and outlet, replace the defective external item and document the correction. If the issue remains, stop troubleshooting and escalate.

Review Battery Age and Service History

Check the asset record for prior battery replacements, charging complaints, power supply repairs, or repeated power-related work orders.

Expected outcome: History supports whether this is a recurring battery or power system failure.

If battery age is excessive or repeated failures are documented, include that information in the repair request.

Do Not Perform Internal Power Supply Repair at the Bedside

Do not open the pump, bypass fuses, defeat alarms, modify power wiring, or attempt internal charger repair during field troubleshooting.

Expected outcome: Troubleshooting remains safe and limited to Clinical Engineering external checks.

If external checks do not resolve the issue, remove the pump from service.

If the Problem Persists

If the Datascope System 98 / 98XT still has AC power failure, battery charging failure, short runtime, intermittent power dropout, or abnormal electrical behavior after outlet, cord, charging, and basic external checks are completed, common external causes have been ruled out.

The device should be:

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. An intra-aortic balloon pump with unreliable power should not be returned to patient use until repaired and verified.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot an IABP power issue on an active patient unless immediate safety requires it. Ensure clinical staff have backup circulatory support options available before removing power, testing battery operation, or moving the pump.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported the Datascope System 98 / 98XT would not maintain battery operation and displayed a low battery condition when unplugged from AC power."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Verified wall outlet and AC cord were functional, but the pump failed to sustain operation on battery after charging."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the IABP from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for bench evaluation of the battery and charging system."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

Power reliability is critical on an intra-aortic balloon pump. Clinical Engineering troubleshooting should confirm patient safety first, rule out simple external causes, document power and alarm behavior clearly, and escalate when the issue points to battery, charger, inlet, or internal power system failure.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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