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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting a GE Healthcare OEC 9900 Series C-Arm that displays image artifacts originating from the flat-panel detector. Symptoms may include:
- Lines, streaks, or spots on the image
- Uneven brightness or shading
- Flickering or intermittent artifacts during live fluoroscopy
The focus is on identifying common external and system-level causes before assuming a detector or internal electronics failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Power and Boot Status
- Ensure the C-Arm is powered on and fully booted.
- Check that the system has no startup error codes or warnings.
- Why: A detector may not initialize properly if the system is not fully booted.
Inspect Detector Connections
- Confirm all cables from the flat-panel detector to the main system are secure and undamaged.
- Look for bent pins, loose connectors, or signs of wear.
- Why: Loose or damaged connections commonly cause artifacts.
Check for External Interference
- Ensure no mobile devices, electrosurgical units, or other large electrical devices are operating nearby.
- Why: EM interference can introduce flickering or streaks on flat-panel detectors.
Perform Detector Warm-Up / Calibration
- Run the system’s built-in detector calibration or flat-field correction.
- Follow the manufacturer’s prompts for automatic gain and offset adjustments.
- Why: Drift in calibration can create persistent image artifacts.
Swap or Inspect Cables and Interface Modules
- If possible, swap the detector interface cable with a known good one.
- Inspect the interface board connections at the system side.
- Why: Damaged data transmission lines can mimic detector faults.
Check Imaging Parameters
- Verify exposure settings, kVp/mA, frame rate, and collimation.
- Ensure settings match the intended imaging protocol.
- Why: Incorrect parameters may exaggerate noise or artifacts.
Review Recent System Changes
- Determine if software updates, system moves, or detector replacement occurred recently.
- Why: Software or firmware mismatches can affect detector performance.
If the Problem Persists
External checks and calibration steps completed without improvement.
Likely internal detector electronics issue or sensor defect.
Next Steps:
- Remove the C-Arm from service.
- Label as “Out of Service” to prevent patient use.
- Send for vendor repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to escalate is a key part of proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not troubleshoot on an active patient; move the patient to another C-Arm if possible.
- Limit exposure to unnecessary radiation during artifact checks.
- Document all steps carefully before patient use resumes.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Images display streaks and uneven brightness during fluoroscopy.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Detector cable found secure, calibration performed, artifacts persist; likely detector electronics fault.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Device removed from service, labeled Out of Service, sent for vendor evaluation.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Confirmed system fully booted
- Detector cables inspected
- Calibration performed (date/time)
- Any error codes observed
- Imaging parameters used during artifact observation
- Final device status (Out of Service)
Final Thought
Patient safety is the highest priority. Logical troubleshooting avoids unnecessary component replacement and ensures accurate documentation. Recognizing when an artifact indicates a hardware fault and escalating appropriately preserves system integrity and patient care.
That is successful troubleshooting.