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Asset Type
Fluoroscopy / Interventional System
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Identifies external causes of table movement failure, including brake engagement, interlocks, control issues, or obstructions affecting safe positioning.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient and Staff Safety
- Confirm no patient is on the table and all staff are clear.
- Why: Prevents injury during unintended movement or brake release.
Verify Table Power Status
- Check that the table system is powered on and indicators are active.
- Inspect breakers or power disconnects associated with the table.
- Expected Outcome: Table shows normal power indicators and is responsive.
Check Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Buttons
- Inspect all E-stop buttons (table-side, room, control console). Ensure they are fully released.
- Why: Engaged E-stop disables all movement and may trigger interlock faults.
- Expected Outcome: Releasing E-stop restores table control.
Inspect Brake Status and Controls
- Verify if table brakes are engaged (manual or electronic brake indicators).
- Attempt brake release using hand control or footswitch.
- Expected Outcome: Audible or visible confirmation of brake release; table becomes movable.
Test Table Movement from Multiple Controls
- Attempt movement using:
- Table-side controls
- Control console
- Footswitch (if applicable)
- Why: Helps isolate whether issue is control interface vs table system.
- Expected Outcome: Movement works from at least one interface if others are faulty.
Inspect Interlocks and Safety Conditions
- Check for system messages indicating interlock conditions such as:
- Gantry position restrictions
- Detector position limits
- Table travel limits
- Ensure all system components are in a safe and allowable position.
- Expected Outcome: Clearing interlock condition restores movement.
Check for Mechanical Obstructions
- Inspect under and around the table for:
- Cables or tubing
- Floor obstructions
- Accessories or attachments interfering with rails
- Why: Even minor obstructions can prevent movement or trigger safety lockouts.
- Expected Outcome: Removing obstruction allows normal movement.
Inspect Cables and Connections
- Check visible cables between table and system cabinets for:
- Loose connections
- Pinched or damaged cables
- Expected Outcome: Restoring proper connections may resolve intermittent faults.
Power Cycle the System
- Perform a controlled system shutdown and restart.
- Why: Clears temporary control or communication faults between table and system.
- Expected Outcome: Table initializes normally and movement is restored.
Observe for Error Codes or Alarms
- Document any displayed error messages related to:
- Brake faults
- Interlocks
- Motion control
- Why: Provides direction for escalation if needed.
- Expected Outcome: Clear identification of fault type.
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes (power, controls, interlocks, obstructions) have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (motor, brake assembly, control board, or position sensors).
Remove the system from service, label it Out of Service, and escalate for vendor service or qualified bench evaluation.
Recognizing when to stop prevents unsafe operation and further equipment damage.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot table movement with a patient present. Always transfer the patient to a safe surface before evaluating movement or brake issues.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Table would not move and brake appeared stuck during procedure setup."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Emergency stop button engaged, causing brake lock and interlock condition."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Released E-stop, verified brake disengagement, and confirmed full table movement from all controls."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- E-stop status verified
- Brake indicators observed
- Movement tested from multiple controls
- Obstructions checked under table
- Error codes recorded
- Cables inspected
- System reboot performed
- Final operational status confirmed
Final Thought
Effective troubleshooting starts with safety and simple checks like E-stops, brakes, and interlocks. Many table issues are external and preventable. Knowing when to escalate is just as important as fixing the issue, and clear documentation supports long-term reliability and patient safety.
That is successful troubleshooting.