GE Healthcare Innova Series

Asset Type

Fluoroscopy / Interventional System

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

Innova Series

What This Guide Helps With

Identifies external causes of boot failures or workstation communication issues, including power, network, and peripheral problems preventing system initialization.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Confirm no patient is on the table and the system is not in use.
• Why: Prevents interruption of care and avoids unintended system movement or exposure.

Verify System Power Status

• Check that all system components are powered:
• Operator console
• Workstation
• Generator cabinet
• Monitors
• Inspect circuit breakers and power distribution units (PDUs).
• Expected Outcome: All components show normal power indicators.
• Why: Partial power loss can cause communication failures between subsystems.

Observe Boot Behavior and Error Messages

• Watch the system during startup:
• Note any error messages
• Identify where boot process stops (BIOS, OS, application)
• Expected Outcome: Clear indication of failure stage.
• Why: Helps determine if issue is workstation-specific or system-wide.

Check Network and Communication Cables

• Inspect all visible Ethernet and communication cables between:
• Workstation and system cabinets
• Network switches
• Image processing units
• Look for loose, damaged, or disconnected cables.
• Expected Outcome: Secure connections restore communication.
• Why: Loose or failed network connections are a common cause of communication faults.

Verify Network Switch and Link Indicators

• Check link/activity lights on switches and ports.
• If available, connect a known-good device or cable.
• Expected Outcome: Active link lights indicate proper communication.
• Why: No link light suggests a physical or network hardware issue.

Disconnect Non-Essential Peripherals

• Remove external devices such as:
• USB drives
• External monitors
• Unnecessary accessories
• Expected Outcome: System boots without peripheral conflicts.
• Why: Faulty peripherals can delay or prevent system initialization.

Perform a Controlled System Restart

• Shut down the system properly and restart using manufacturer-recommended sequence.
• Allow full initialization time.
• Expected Outcome: System completes boot and establishes communication.
• Why: Temporary software or communication faults may clear with reboot.

Check Time Synchronization and Network Availability

• Verify the system network is active and hospital network is reachable.
• If applicable, confirm system time is correct.
• Expected Outcome: System communicates properly with networked components.
• Why: Some systems fail to initialize if network services or time sync are unavailable.

Test Workstation Responsiveness

• Check if the workstation:
• Displays correctly
• Responds to keyboard/mouse input
• Loads application software
• Expected Outcome: Functional workstation confirms issue is not hardware lockup.
• Why: A frozen or failed workstation can appear as a communication failure.

Check for Recent Changes

• Ask staff if any recent changes occurred:
• Network updates
• Software updates
• Power outages
• Expected Outcome: Identifying recent changes may explain failure.
• Why: Environmental or configuration changes often trigger communication issues.

If the Problem Persists

If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (workstation hardware, system communication boards, or software corruption).

Remove the system from service, label it Out of Service, and escalate for vendor service or advanced bench evaluation.

Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and protects system integrity.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot boot or communication issues during an active case. Always move the patient to a functioning system before beginning troubleshooting.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"System would not boot fully and workstation not communicating with generator."

"System stuck during boot with no workstation response."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Loose Ethernet cable between workstation and system network switch."

"External USB device causing boot conflict."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Reseated cable and verified link lights; system booted and communication restored."

"Removed USB device and rebooted system; normal operation restored."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Power outlets and breakers checked
• Boot stage where failure occurs
• Network cable condition and link lights
• Peripheral devices connected/disconnected
• Error messages displayed
• Any recent updates or outages
• Final system status

Final Thought

Boot and communication failures are often caused by simple external issues like power interruptions, loose cables, or peripheral conflicts. A structured, step-by-step approach ensures patient safety while avoiding unnecessary escalation. When external causes are ruled out, timely escalation is the correct decision. Strong documentation supports faster resolution and future troubleshooting.

That is successful troubleshooting.