GE Healthcare Innova Series

Asset Type

Fluoroscopy / Interventional System

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

Innova Series

What This Guide Helps With

Identifies external causes of image artifacts such as lines, shading, distortion, or noise from connections, interference, or setup issues.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Confirm no patient is on the table and imaging is not active.
• Why: Prevents unnecessary radiation exposure during troubleshooting.

Identify Artifact Type and Pattern

• Observe the artifact (lines, flicker, distortion, shading, fixed vs moving).
• Expected Outcome: Pattern helps determine if issue is environmental, connection-related, or detector-specific.

Check Display Monitors First

• Verify artifact appears on all monitors (review monitor, control room, archive images).
• Why: If only on one monitor, issue is display-related—not detector.
• Expected Outcome: Consistent artifact across displays indicates upstream issue.

Inspect Detector / Image Intensifier Connections

• Check all visible cables between detector/image intensifier and system cabinet.
• Look for loose, damaged, or pinched cables.
• Expected Outcome: Secure connections may eliminate intermittent lines or signal noise.

Inspect Detector Surface and Housing

• Check for dirt, contrast residue, tape, or physical obstruction on the detector or image intensifier input surface.
• Clean per manufacturer guidelines.
• Expected Outcome: Surface contamination artifacts should resolve after cleaning.

Check for External Interference (EMI)

• Power down or move nearby devices (warming blankets, pumps, other imaging systems).
• Why: EMI can cause flickering or patterned artifacts.
• Expected Outcome: Artifact disappears if interference source is removed.

Verify System Grounding and Power Stability

• Ensure system is connected to proper hospital-grade power and grounding.
• Check for recent electrical work or shared circuits.
• Expected Outcome: Stable power eliminates rolling or fluctuating artifacts.

Test Different Imaging Modes / Field Sizes

• Switch between fluoroscopy, acquisition, and different field-of-view sizes.
• Why: Some artifacts appear only in specific modes or detector regions.
• Expected Outcome: Helps isolate detector vs processing issue.

Check Collimator and Filter Positioning

• Ensure collimator blades move freely and filters are properly seated.
• Expected Outcome: Misalignment can create edge shadows or uneven brightness.

Perform a System Reboot

• Shut down the system fully and restart following proper procedure.
• Why: Clears temporary software or communication faults.
• Expected Outcome: Artifact caused by transient issues may resolve.

Review Recent Changes

• Ask staff about recent events:
• Cleaning or fluid exposure
• Equipment movement
• Power interruptions
• Service work
• Expected Outcome: Identifying a trigger helps pinpoint cause.

If the Problem Persists

If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal to the detector, image intensifier, or processing electronics.

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

Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary downtime and ensures safe escalation.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot imaging artifacts during an active case. Always move the patient to a properly functioning room before evaluating the system.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Staff reported vertical lines appearing on fluoroscopy images during procedures."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Loose detector signal cable identified causing intermittent artifact."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Reseated and secured detector cable; verified normal image quality across all modes."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Artifact type (lines, distortion, shading, flicker)
• When artifact appears (fluoro vs acquisition)
• Monitor comparison results
• Cables inspected/reseated
• Nearby equipment present (possible EMI)
• Power stability confirmed
• Cleaning performed
• Final image quality status

Final Thought

Artifact troubleshooting should always begin with what is visible and accessible—connections, environment, and setup. This avoids unnecessary escalation and keeps systems available. When external causes are ruled out, prompt escalation protects patient safety and maintains workflow. Clear documentation ensures repeat issues can be quickly identified and addressed.

That is successful troubleshooting.