GE Healthcare Innova Series

Asset Type

Fluoroscopy / Interventional System

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

Innova Series

What This Guide Helps With

Identifies external causes of C-arm movement faults or collision sensor errors, including obstructions, sensor triggers, or interlocks preventing safe positioning.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Confirm no patient is on the table and all staff are clear of the C-arm.
• Why: Prevents injury from unintended movement during troubleshooting.

Observe and Identify the Error Behavior

• Attempt a small movement and note if motion is completely disabled or stops immediately.
• Expected Outcome: Understanding whether it is a full lockout or sensor-triggered stop helps narrow cause.

Check for Physical Obstructions

• Inspect around the C-arm, table, detector, and floor area for:
• Cables
• IV poles
• Foot pedals
• Lead shields or accessories
• Remove any potential obstruction.
• Expected Outcome: Clearing obstructions restores movement if collision prevention was triggered.

Inspect Collision Sensors and Bumpers

• Check all visible collision sensors and bumper edges on the C-arm and detector.
• Ensure nothing is pressing against them.
• Look for stuck or compressed bumpers.
• Check for debris or damage.
• Expected Outcome: Sensors should be free and not physically engaged.
• Why: These sensors stop motion immediately when triggered for safety.

Verify Detector and C-arm Clearance

• Ensure proper spacing between detector and table.
• Ensure proper spacing between C-arm and patient support surfaces.
• Check any mounted accessories.
• Expected Outcome: Adequate clearance prevents false collision detection.

Check Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Buttons

• Inspect all E-stop buttons (room, table, console) and confirm they are fully released.
• Expected Outcome: Movement functions restored if E-stop was engaged.
• Why: E-stop conditions can mimic positioning faults.

Test Movement Using Alternate Controls

• Attempt to move the C-arm using main console controls.
• Attempt to move using table-side controls.
• Attempt to move using handheld or foot controls (if available).
• Expected Outcome: If one control works and another does not, the issue may be control-specific rather than positioning-related.

Inspect Cable Routing and Strain

• Check visible cables connected to the C-arm and detector.
• Ensure cables are not pinched, overly tight, or restricting movement.
• Verify proper routing along guides.
• Expected Outcome: Free cable movement prevents false sensor triggers and mechanical restriction.

Perform a Controlled System Restart

• Shut down and restart the system following proper procedure.
• Expected Outcome: Temporary sensor or positioning faults may clear after reboot.

If the Problem Persists

If all external causes such as obstructions, sensors, controls, and interlocks have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (sensor failure, positioning system fault, or control electronics).

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

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot C-arm movement or collision faults with a patient on the table. Always transfer the patient to a safe alternative imaging system first.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"C-arm would not move and displayed collision sensor error during positioning."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Obstruction (IV pole and cable) contacting C-arm collision sensor triggered movement lockout."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed obstruction, verified sensor clearance, and confirmed normal C-arm movement in all directions."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Whether movement was fully disabled or intermittent
• Any visible obstructions found
• Condition of collision sensors/bumpers
• E-stop status
• Control method tested (console vs table-side)
• Cable routing condition
• System status after reboot
• Final operational status

Final Thought

C-arm positioning issues are often safety-driven by design. Start with environmental and external checks before assuming failure. Proper troubleshooting protects both patients and equipment, and recognizing when escalation is needed is just as important as resolving the issue.

That is successful troubleshooting.