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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the Aisys CS2 anesthesia machine exhibits issues with electronic flow control, such as:
- Inability to adjust fresh gas flows accurately
- Flow settings not responding or jumping erratically
- Alarms related to flow control or delivery of anesthetic gases
The focus is on external checks, power, and setup verification before assuming internal electronic or flow module failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Power and Boot Sequence
- Ensure the machine is plugged into a verified, live outlet.
- Confirm the machine completes its startup self-check without unrelated errors.
- Reason: Flow control electronics rely on stable power and a clean boot.
Check Circuit Breakers and Fuses
- Inspect the main power switch and machine fuses (if externally accessible).
- Reason: Blown fuses can disrupt electronic flow control circuits.
Inspect Flow Control Knobs and Interface
- Rotate each flow control knob and observe display response.
- Confirm there is no physical obstruction or stiffness.
- Reason: Mechanical interference can mimic electronic faults.
Verify Gas Supply Connections
- Check that oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air hoses are properly connected and valves are open.
- Ensure gas pressures are within manufacturer specifications.
- Reason: Low or missing supply can trigger flow control alarms or erratic behavior.
Check Software Settings
- Confirm that electronic flow limits or safety interlocks are not preventing adjustments.
- Verify that any recent software updates were completed successfully.
- Reason: Incorrect settings can prevent flow changes even if hardware is functional.
Cycle Power and Observe Behavior
- Perform a controlled shutdown and restart of the machine.
- Attempt adjusting flows after restart.
- Reason: Transient software glitches can cause temporary electronic flow control malfunctions.
Swap or Test External Accessories
- If using flow sensors, modules, or patient circuits with integrated electronics, swap with a known good set.
- Reason: Faulty accessories may feed incorrect readings to the flow control system.
If the Problem Persists
If all external checks pass and flow control remains erratic:
- Remove the machine from clinical service.
- Label Out of Service.
- Escalate for manufacturer repair or bench evaluation.
- Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting—do not attempt internal electronic repair.
Clinical Use Tip
- Never adjust flows on a patient when malfunctioning.
- Move the patient to a backup anesthesia machine if available.
- Ensure patient safety is always prioritized over troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Electronic flow control will not adjust oxygen or nitrous flows; display shows erratic readings.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“External inspection shows power stable, gas supplies connected, knobs intact; software settings verified. Issue persists after restart.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Machine removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent to GE Healthcare service for electronic module evaluation.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested with meter
- Power cycle performed
- Gas pressures verified
- Flow knobs checked for mechanical issues
- Any alarms displayed
- Circuit or accessory swaps performed
- Final machine status (Out of Service)
Final Thought
Proper troubleshooting balances patient safety, systematic logic, and timely escalation. Recording CCR details ensures a clear audit trail and communicates findings efficiently to repair teams. Avoid pushing a malfunctioning machine into service.
That is successful troubleshooting.