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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
TRS equipment that cannot complete an applicable startup check, functional check, calibration, or verification because of setup, power, accessory, or service-level problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Do Not Use Equipment With Failed Verification
Do not place a TRS component into clinical service when a required self-test, calibration, or performance verification cannot be completed successfully.
Provide verified backup equipment if the issue is discovered before or during a procedure.
Expected outcome: Only equipment that has successfully completed required verification remains available for clinical use.
2. Identify the Exact Test That Is Failing
Determine whether the complaint refers to an automatic startup check, a user-visible functional check, a Clinical Engineering performance test, or an actual calibration procedure.
Do not assume the TRS configuration has a user-accessible electronic self-test or calibration function if one is not present. Record the exact procedure or observation that failed.
Expected outcome: The failed test and the point of failure are clearly identified.
3. Verify Power Condition
Use a verified compatible power source and confirm stable operation before repeating any applicable test. If charging equipment or another external power component is involved in the test setup, verify it separately.
Expected outcome: Test failure is not caused by a depleted or unstable power source.
4. Return the Device to a Basic Valid Configuration
Remove unnecessary accessories and configure the equipment exactly as required for the approved test being performed. Confirm that attachments, power components, and external test equipment are compatible and correctly connected.
Expected outcome: The device is in a valid test configuration without unnecessary variables.
5. Inspect External Interfaces and Attachments
Check accessible connectors, couplings, control positions, contacts, attachments, and test fixtures for contamination, wear, incomplete seating, or visible damage.
Expected outcome: External interfaces are clean, intact, and correctly assembled.
6. Verify Test Equipment and Setup
If Clinical Engineering is performing a performance test, confirm that the test equipment itself is functioning, in calibration as required by facility policy, and configured appropriately for the measurement being made.
Do not adjust the TRS device merely to compensate for an incorrect test setup.
Expected outcome: The test method and equipment are verified before a device failure is assigned.
7. Repeat the Test Under Controlled Conditions
Repeat the approved test with the device unloaded or configured as required by the applicable procedure. Observe whether the failure is repeatable and whether it occurs at the same stage each time.
Expected outcome: The test either completes normally or a repeatable failure is documented.
8. Use Known-Good Compatible Components
When an accessory, attachment, or power component participates in the test, substitute a known-good compatible item one at a time.
Expected outcome: The failure is isolated to an external component or remains with the primary TRS device.
9. Do Not Make Unsupported Calibration Adjustments
If the device continues to fail an actual calibration or performance requirement, do not enter undocumented service modes, alter internal adjustments, or modify configuration values without approved manufacturer procedures.
Expected outcome: The device remains in a known state and an unsupported adjustment does not create an additional safety risk.
10. Perform Final Verification or Escalate
If an external cause is corrected, repeat the entire applicable test rather than assuming the device is acceptable because one symptom disappeared.
Expected outcome: The complete approved test passes. If it does not, the equipment is removed from service and escalated.
If the Problem Persists
Power, setup, compatible accessories, external interfaces, and test equipment have been ruled out. A repeatable failure may involve an internal mechanical, electrical, control, or performance condition requiring manufacturer-level procedures or approved service tools.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate DePuy Synthes documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or calibrated only by qualified personnel using an approved procedure.
After corrective service, repeat all required performance and safety testing before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A surgical power tool that cannot pass its required functional or performance verification should not be placed in the sterile field as a “backup.”
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the DePuy Synthes TRS system would not complete the required pre-use functional check."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that an attachment was not fully seated, preventing normal operation during the check."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Correctly installed the compatible attachment, repeated the full functional check successfully, and returned the system to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact test or verification being performed
- Point at which the test fails
- Whether the failure is repeatable
- Power source used
- Attachments installed
- Control and selector positions
- External interface condition
- Known-good substitutions
- Test equipment used
- Test equipment calibration status
- Results before and after correction
- Final device status
Final Thought
A failed self-test, calibration, or performance check should be investigated by validating the setup before adjusting the equipment. Confirm power, accessories, test methods, and known-good comparisons, and escalate repeatable failures that require manufacturer-level service.
That is successful troubleshooting.